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The Downhill Mountain Bike Subculture in New Zealand By The Downhill Mountain Bike Subculture in New Zealand Scarlett A. Hagen A thesis submitted for the degree of Masters in Physical Education at the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand 21 December 2012 DOWNHILL MOUNTAIN BIKE SUBCULTURE i Abstract This research examines the experiences and meanings that elite downhill mountain bike racers assign to their involvement in the New Zealand downhill mountain bike subculture. The research is located in postmodern subcultural theory which embraces the fractured nature of modern lifeworlds in which transitory and unique cultural features such as music, style, fashion, objects, and images are becoming increasingly important and valued. Firstly, the research maps the downhill mountain bike subculture in New Zealand. Secondly, the research documents key components of the subculture and investigates the effect that belonging to the downhill mountain bike subculture has on the participants’ lives. This research follows a qualitative methodology that draws on a social constructivist epistemology. Semi-structured interviews were the predominant method for gathering data from five elite level participants who have raced in the downhill mountain bike world championships. The interview data were transcribed verbatim and analysed inductively to allow themes to emerge. The researcher’s reflexivity aided the research process and acted as a point of reference for many of the findings. It is hoped that this research will contribute to knowledge by helping progress postmodern subcultural theories within a sport and recreation context. In addition, this study may provide practitioners with a deeper understanding of their sport and subculture. Keywords: downhill mountain biking, subculture, postmodern, lifestyle. DOWNHILL MOUNTAIN BIKE SUBCULTURE ii Acknowledgements I wish to express my utmost gratitude to my supervisor, Associate Professor Mike Boyes for his continued support, encouragement, and friendship throughout the writing of this thesis. Mike’s unquestioned trust and belief in this work gave me the confidence to persist and expect the highest level from myself. The past year at the University of Otago has increased my appreciation of good academic writing, and this is something that I will value and practice forever. This project is representative of 15 years immersed in the downhill mountain bike scene both in New Zealand and internationally. I am the product of the lessons learnt through belonging to an extreme sport community of practice. For this feeling of belonging, I am indebted to my downhill friends, mechanics, managers, and other supporting members of the subculture. I owe a special thank you to the five participants who willingly provided their insights for the purpose of this research. You opened yourselves up to critique the sport that you all love, and I am grateful for this. Additionally, Mike Jacobs, Sally McArley and Dr. Anna Thompson deserve a special mention for helping in the final stages of this research journey. Also, thank you to my parents, Viv and Rus, for supporting me with each new goal. DOWNHILL MOUNTAIN BIKE SUBCULTURE iii Table of Contents ABSTRACT ......................................................................................................................... i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...............................................................................................ii TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................. iii REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE .................................................................................. 7 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 7 Defining Subculture ............................................................................................................ 7 American subcultural studies. ......................................................................................... 10 The Birmingham School. ................................................................................................ 11 Postmodern subcultural theory. ...................................................................................... 12 The fragmented discourse of postmodern subcultural theory. .................................... 14 Postmodern subcultural theory and extreme sport practices. .......................................... 16 Extreme Sport Subcultures .............................................................................................. 17 A brief history of extreme sport. ..................................................................................... 17 Extreme sport demographics. .......................................................................................... 18 Age. ............................................................................................................................. 18 Race, ethnicity and class. ............................................................................................ 19 Gender. ........................................................................................................................ 20 Locations. .................................................................................................................... 21 Natural environments. ................................................................................................. 22 Extreme sport experiences. ............................................................................................. 25 Relaxation. ................................................................................................................... 25 Challenge and transfer. ................................................................................................ 26 Happiness. ................................................................................................................... 27 Unpleasant experiences. .............................................................................................. 29 Mountain Biking as an Extreme Sport Subculture ....................................................... 29 The Subcultural Experience ............................................................................................ 32 Power and hegemony. ..................................................................................................... 32 Reputation. .................................................................................................................. 34 Identity and authenticity. ................................................................................................ 34 Style. ............................................................................................................................... 38 Image. .......................................................................................................................... 39 Language. .................................................................................................................... 40 Technology and consumption. .................................................................................... 42 Defining Quality of Life ................................................................................................... 44 DOWNHILL MOUNTAIN BIKE SUBCULTURE iv Biological health. ............................................................................................................ 47 Family support and friendship. ....................................................................................... 48 Need satisfaction. ............................................................................................................ 49 Time and role management. ............................................................................................ 50 Defining Life Stages .......................................................................................................... 52 Chronological age. .......................................................................................................... 53 Life stages. ...................................................................................................................... 55 Life stage transitions. ...................................................................................................... 56 METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................................... 59 Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 59 Research Questions ........................................................................................................... 59 Social Constructivism ....................................................................................................... 60 Interview Process .............................................................................................................. 63 Informed consent. ........................................................................................................... 63 The interviewer. .............................................................................................................. 63 Interview schedule. ......................................................................................................... 64 Interview technique. .......................................................................................................
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