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This undergraduate textbook provides a broad overview of the ways in which 'adventurous practices' influence, and are influenced by, the world around them. The concept of adventure is one that is too often tackled within subject silos of philosophy, education, tourism, or leisure. While much of the analysis is strong, there is little cross-pollination between disciplines. Adventure & Society pulls together the threads of these discourses into one coherent treatment of the term 'adventure' and the role that it plays in human social life of the 21st century. It explores how these practices can be considered more deeply through theoretical discourses of capitalism, identity construction, technology and social media, risk-taking, personal development, equalities, and sustainability. As such, the book speaks to a broad audience of undergraduate and postgraduate students across diverse subject areas, and aims to be an accessible starting point for deeper inquiry.
List of contents
1. Conceptualising Adventure.- 2. Adventure and Contemporary Society.- 3. Daily Adventure Practices.- 4. Adventure and Risk.- 5. Adventure, Capitalism and Corporations.- 6. Adventure, Technology and Social Media.- 7. Adventure and Equalities.- 8. Adventure and Identity.- 9. Adventure and Personal and Social Development.- 10. Adventure and Tourism.- 11. Adventure and Sustainability.
About the author
Simon Beames is Senior Lecturer in Outdoor Education at the University of Edinburgh. For 25 years, Simon has taught outdoors and indoors in North America, Asia, and Europe. He has published over 50 journal papers, book chapters, and magazine articles. Other books published by Simon include
Understanding educational expeditions, Learning outside the classroom, Outdoor adventure and social theory, and
Adventurous learning.Chris Mackie is Associate Lecturer at the University of the Highlands and Islands’ School of Adventure Studies in Fort William and a PhD researcher at the University of Edinburgh. Chris was literally born and raised at an outdoor adventure centre and now works across adventure education, tourism and outdoor learning.
Matthew Atencio is Associate Professor and Co-Director of the Center for Sport and Social Justice at California State University East Bay, USA. Matthew researches lifestyle/adventure sports and Physical/Outdoor Education. Matthew has contributed over 50 academic papers/chapters and a book:
Moving boarders: Skateboarding and the changing landscape of urban youth sports.
Summary
This undergraduate textbook provides a broad overview of the ways in which ‘adventurous practices’ influence, and are influenced by, the world around them. The concept of adventure is one that is too often tackled within subject silos of philosophy, education, tourism, or leisure. While much of the analysis is strong, there is little cross-pollination between disciplines. Adventure & Society pulls together the threads of these discourses into one coherent treatment of the term ‘adventure’ and the role that it plays in human social life of the 21st century. It explores how these practices can be considered more deeply through theoretical discourses of capitalism, identity construction, technology and social media, risk-taking, personal development, equalities, and sustainability. As such, the book speaks to a broad audience of undergraduate and postgraduate students across diverse subject areas, and aims to be an accessible starting point for deeper inquiry.
Additional text
“This book would make an excellent addition to readings at an undergraduate level, especially for courses in outdoor learning (‘friluftsliv’) and nature-based tourism. … this book works best as an introduction to the development and social significance of adventure sports, and as a first introduction to the sociological concepts and theories presented. In this way, Beames, Mackie, and Atencio have accomplished exactly what they set out to do.” (idrottsforum.org, April 17, 2020)
“This book meets its aim of providing an excellent primer for undergraduate, postgraduate and research students as well as practitioners and academics wishing to further their understanding of adventure through the lens of the social sciences. It is already on the reading lists of my modules and the desks of my research students. … The result is a stimulating and thought-provoking read.” (Chris Loynes, Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, July 24, 2019)
Report
"This book would make an excellent addition to readings at an undergraduate level, especially for courses in outdoor learning ('friluftsliv') and nature-based tourism. ... this book works best as an introduction to the development and social significance of adventure sports, and as a first introduction to the sociological concepts and theories presented. In this way, Beames, Mackie, and Atencio have accomplished exactly what they set out to do." (idrottsforum.org, April 17, 2020)
"This book meets its aim of providing an excellent primer for undergraduate, postgraduate and research students as well as practitioners and academics wishing to further their understanding of adventure through the lens of the social sciences. It is already on the reading lists of my modules and the desks of my research students. ... The result is a stimulating and thought-provoking read." (Chris Loynes, Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, July 24, 2019)
