A Sociological Case Study Exploring the Effects of Sudden Biographical Disruption on a Male Athletes Body-self Relationship

Abstract

This research sociologically explores the effects of sudden biographical disruption on the body-self relationship of an athlete who has become disabled through sport. In the form of an ethnographic case study, the research presents a phenomenological engaged account of one individual’s social reality as they attempt to reconstruct their body-self and relationship with their social world post disability. The research utilises narrative inquiry, with the biographical data from interviews being conceptually analysed using Frank (1995). Additionally, the use of specific metaphors within narrative analysis is discussed and the scope for future research is considered.

This research sociologically explores the effects of sudden biographical disruption on the body-self relationship of an athlete who has become disabled through sport. In the form of an ethnographic case study, the research presents a phenomenological engaged account of one individual’s social reality as they attempt to reconstruct their body-self and relationship with their social world post disability. The research utilises narrative inquiry, with the biographical data from interviews being conceptually analysed using Frank (1995). Additionally, the use of specific metaphors within narrative analysis is discussed and the scope for future research is considered.