“Gendered Risk Regimes”: A Theoretical Consideration of Edgework and Gender
in Sociology of Sport JournalClick name to view affiliation
Recently, a number of researchers have drawn on Lyng’s (1990) theorization of the concept of edgework in explorations of voluntary risk activities in late modernity. Unfortunately, a theoretical consideration of how these edgework activities are gendered is underdeveloped in the edgework literature. In this article I outline the theories that have dominated edgework literature, critique the general oversight of a nuanced theory of gender in edgework, and highlight a sample of evidence showing that participation in “risk sports” (as one example of edgework) is a gendered experience. I also outline the concept of a “gendered risk regime” as a tool for exploring risk and gender as ongoing and intersecting constructions.
The author is with the University of Lethbridge, Department of Sociology, 4401 University Dr. W., Lethbridge, AB, Calgary, Alberta, T1K 3M4, Canada.
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