The Politics of Physical Activity

Defining ‘politics’ as contests over ideas, values and visions about what a physically active society could be, this book uses critical analysis to challenge accepted truths about physical activity and therefore opens up a pathway to more effective, and more socially just, physical activity policy. Critiquing global and national physical activity policies which are arguing for significant change to societies around the world, The Politics of Physical Activity presents empirical case studies to illustrate the political dimensions of advocating for physical activity promotion, including discussions of resourcing difficulties, conflicts of interest and opportunity costs. It explores physical activity as a multi-sectoral tool that is being applied to political ideas and policy goals as varied as education, sustainability and social cohesion, and asks what good physical activity really looks like. This is important and provocative reading for any student, researcher, practitioner or policy maker with an interest in physical activity, public health or public policy.

1. Introduction 2. Contested Definitions, Histories and Futures of Physical Activity 3. Towards a Physical Activity Discourse 4. Physical Activity and the Politics of Knowledge 5. Physical Activity and the Politics of Societal Change 6. Physical Activity and the Politics of Junk Food 7. Physical Activity and the Politics of Corporate Health Promotion 8. Physical Activity and the Politics of Risk 9. Conclusion: People, Power and Possibilities

Joe Piggin is Senior Lecturer in Sport Policy and Management in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Loughborough University, UK. Joe’s research covers two main areas, namely sport policy translation into marketing and programmes, and physical activity policy. He is the co-editor (with Louise Mansfield and Mike Weed) of the Routledge Handbook of Physical Activity Policy and Practice.