Full Description
African Footballers in Europe traces the social and economic evolution of African football and examines the strategies and resources that players mobilise in their migrations, with a particular focus on 'Give Back Behaviours' (how players contribute to their countries or communities of origin). It shines new light on contemporary migrations, labour markets in sport, and processes of development in Africa.
Using a multidisciplinary approach and Weberian methodology to analyse players' 'Give Back' behaviour, the book highlights the complex rationale behind this behaviour, based on a combination of social, cultural, and economic elements. It features interviews with former and current African professional players, providing a vivid picture of the role of communities in players' migration projects, the allure of the European football market, and investment initiatives that can contribute to local and regional development.
This is a vital read for academics, researchers, and students of sport sciences, sociology of sport, sport management, sociology, geography, political sciences, management, sociology of Africa, migration studies, sociology of the labour market, and economic sociology. It is also an important resource for professional organisations, NGOs, football agents, football administrators, federations, confederations, and governments.
Contents
Introduction,
1. African Football, Migration, Give Back Behaviour, and Economic Rationality,
2. Give Back Behaviour Spectacle, Football Labour Markets, Sports Migration, and Connection with Communities,
3. Theoretical Approaches to Give Back Behaviour,
4. Methodological Approaches to Give Back Behaviour,
5. Street Football, Periodisation, and Migration Itineraries and Strategies,
6. Professional Players, Relationships, and Typologies of Give Back Behaviours,
Conclusion
