Description
Book SynopsisIt is the essence of human nature to compare, and nowhere are comparisons more commonplace than in sport. This book focuses specifically on the comparison of sporting nations. Making meaningful comparisons (i.e. comparing the similarities and differences between social phenomena based upon empirical observation) is difficult and resource intensive and faces a host of methodological limitations, trade-offs and practical compromises. Despite these ongoing issues, there remains no introductory texts that outline the philosophical, methodological and practical challenges of comparative analysis as it applies to sport. This book is therefore the first of its kind to provide a comprehensive overview of the theory and method of comparing sporting nations illustrated through specific examples and case studies drawn from the comparative elite sport policy/management domain. In doing so, the book provides an important point of departure and reference for anyone seeking to making comparisons and to generate more focus and attention towards the logic of comparative inquiry and methodology within sport.
Trade ReviewIndependently reviewed by the International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics; “...Comparing sporting nations is a textbook directed to students, young researchers and advanced researchers. It is addressing philosophical and methodological issues related to sport context, sport sociology, sport science, sport management, sport economy, sport law and sport policy. The authors underline the fact that it is not a step-by-step guide but rather a philosophical analysis and discourse of what can and what cannot be done with comparative analysis. However, by guiding a reader through the concepts, they succeed in actually creating a logical roadmap for researchers to follow while undertaking comparative research related to sport. The particular chapters of the book can also be used in the process of analysing research presented by other authors, by allowing further understanding of limitations and trade-offs their method and philosophical assumptions imposed on their scientific inquiry and findings. The authors do not seek to promote comparative analysis as an universal and simple tool, much rather they present deep overview of the topic, so readers can make more informed decision related to their own research and that authored by others." Grzegorz Botwina (2022): Comparing sporting nations: theory and method, International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics
