Resistance to Technological Innovation in Elite Sport

Bibliographic Data

ID2377935
AuthorsPatrick Trabal (0000-0003-3765-4318, Paris X-Nanterre University and Higher School of Social Sciences (EHESS), Paris, France, corresponding author)
Year2008
Volume43
Issue3
Pages313-330
Publication date2008-09-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Review for the Sociology of Sport (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1012-6902 • E-ISSN: 1461-7218
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/1012690208098255
OpenAlexW2066123950
LanguageEN
Citations received11
References cited4

In 1998, the French Canoe and Kayak Federation embarked on the creation of a new kayak. However, there was concern it would not succeed in its venture due to 'social resistance'. This article aims therefore to reveal the social characteristics of those showing opposition to technological innovation, as well as those who are calling for it, and to determine the reasons behind reticence. A questionnaire was handed out to elite athletes, and interviews conducted with national coaches. The results show that, contrary to preliminary hypotheses, all athletes (including those of flat water racing) generally view such a project in a favourable light. The coaches express different types of 'resistance' - a term which should be used with caution, as it suggests legitimacy and faith in progress - which have less to do with the social position of the actors than with criticism of past and present policies of the Federation

Criticism · Elite · Faith · Legitimacy · Opposition (politics · Political science · Politics · Public relations · Resistance (ecology · Sociology · Education, sociology, and vocational training · Law

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Open DOISci-HubOpen Access