Sailing and Social Class

By: Alan O'Connor

Write A Review

Paperback | 29 August 2025 | Edition Number 1

At a Glance

Paperback
170 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
23.4 x 15.6 x 0.91

Paperback

$81.99

or 4 interest-free payments of $20.50 with

Ships in 5 to 7 business days

This book explores the sociology of sailing and yachting. Drawing on original research, and employing a theoretical framework based on the work of Pierre Bourdieu, the book argues that sailing is, still, an upper-middle-class activity that has much to tell us about the wider sociology of leisure and sport.

The book examines the historical foundations of blue-water sailing as established by naval and colonial shipping, to trace the roots of contemporary sailing and yachting culture. It also examines archives of sailing narratives and cruising guides, as well as the childrenâs books of Arthur Ransome, arguing that this archival material offers a social rather than a psychological interpretation of the âbodily investmentâ in sailing. The book uses Bourdieuâs concepts of âillusioâ â" an investment of time, emotion and body into a worthwhile activity â" and âhabitusâ, or lifeworld, alongside contemporary data sets, to examine the yacht club as a social institution, including why many boats never go out on the water, the relationship between yacht clubs and the state, and social issues as manifested in yacht clubs, such as sexism, racism and homophobia.

Offering a vigorous sociological critique of yachting and sailing, this book is fascinating reading for anybody with an interest in the sociology of leisure and sport, subcultures, social theory, or social issues in wider society.

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

Orders over $79.00 qualify for free shipping.

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.