The World of Physical Culture in Sport and Exercise: Visual Methods for Qualitative Research

Within qualitative research in the social sciences, the last decade has witnessed a growing interest in the use of visual methods. Visual Methods in Physical Culture is the first book in the field of sport and exercise sciences dedicated to harnessing the potential of using visual methods within qualitative research. Theoretically insightful, and methodologically innovative, this book represents a landmark addition to the field of studies in sport, exercise, the body, and qualitative methods. It covers a wide range of empirical work, theories, and visual image-based research, including photography, drawing, and video. In so doing, the book deepens our understanding of physical culture. It also responds to key questions, such as what are visual methods, why might they be used, and how might they be applied in the field of sport and exercise sciences.

This volume combines clarity of expression with careful scholarship and originality, making it especially appealing to students and scholars within a variety of fields, including sport sociology, sport and exercise psychology, sociology of the body, physical education, gender studies, gerontology, and qualitative inquiry.

This book was published as a special issue in Qualitative Research in Sport and Exercise.

Cassandra Phoenix is a lecturer at the University of Exeter, UK. Her research interests include ageing, the body, experiences of physicality across the life course, and visual methods. Cassandra is a member of the editorial board for Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, Journal of Aging Studies, and Narrative Works.

Brett Smith is a senior lecturer at Loughborough University, UK. His research interests include disability, the body, narrative, and qualitative inquiry. Brett is Associate Editor of Psychology of Sport and Exercise and the Editor-in-Chief of Qualitative Research in Sport and Exercise.