Beyond the mainstream versus extreme dichotomy: a cyclical perspective on extreme sports

Abstract

Extreme sports have received a growing interest in the last decade (Dean 2012 [Young Consumers 13 (1): 62–73. doi:10.1108/17473611211203948]). Researchers have examined extreme sports in relation to mainstream sports at both the individual level (e.g. Brymer 2005 [Journal of Emergency Medicine 28 (1): 63–68. doi:10.1016/j.jemermed.2004.07.008]; Brymer and Schweitzer 2013a [Journal of Health Psychology 18: 477–487], 2013b [Psychology of Sport and Exercise 14: 865–873]) and by using a social perspective (Balint 1987 [Thrills and Regressions. London: Karnac Books. http://www.ebrary.com]; Honea 2013 [The Journal of Popular Culture 46: 1253–1275. doi:10.1111/jpcu.12087]; Pearson 1979 [International Review of Sport Sociology 14: 51–60]). This article explores characteristics of both extreme and mainstream sports to suggest that they are related and stem from one another. The main features of extreme sports emerge from social and psychological theories. Five characteristics that exist on a continuum between extreme and mainstream are discussed: the relation with injury and death, the rationale for participation, the relation with performance, and the connection with other cultures and with the natural world. The cyclical effect of extreme sports or how after becoming mainstream an extreme sport tries to return to its origins is introduced. Future research avenues are suggested.