Edgework, Fun, and Identification in a Recreational Subculture: Street BMX Riders

Shane Scott; D. Mark Austin

doi:10.18778/1733-8077.12.4.05

Authors

Shane Scott University of Louisville, U.S.A.
D. Mark Austin University of Louisville, U.S.A.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18778/1733-8077.12.4.05

Keywords:

Sociology of Risk-Taking, Edgework, Identity, Fun, Recreational Subculture, Street BMX Riders

Abstract

The sociological study of risk-taking behavior is a relatively recent development. Lyng (1990) and others have developed the field of edgework, or the “sociology of risk-taking.” In this study, we examine a group of edgeworkers to understand the role of fun and identity in a group of BMX “freestyle” bicycle riders and conclude that these riders reject rational reasons, in the sense of the term envisioned by Weber, for riding in favor of choosing an activity that they report as fun, which leads to feelings such as self-actualization and fulfillment. Additionally, they are not concerned that others, outside of the subculture, recognize their status as participants, further suggesting that rationality played little into the calculation used to define success by this group.

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Author Biographies

Shane Scott, University of Louisville, U.S.A.

Shane Scott is a former graduate and undergraduate student at the University of Louisville studying history as an undergraduate and sociology in graduate school. He is a passionate BMX rider. After graduation, he took a 2 year hiatus from mainstream society and academics to farm, hunt, understand the tree care industry, and practice organic farming. More recently, he has returned to an urban environment.
D. Mark Austin, University of Louisville, U.S.A.

D. Mark Austin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Louisville. He also serves on the program faculty of the Urban and Public Affairs Ph.D. program. A good deal of his research has focused on issues related to community and urban sociology. Some of of his recent work has focused on issues related to edgework and/or commodification, focusing on motorcyclists and BMX riders. Recent publications include “Commodification and Resistance: Theoretical Implications Drawn from a Mobile Recreational Community,” with Patricia Gagné, and “Fear of Criminal Victimization on a College Campus: A Visual and Survey Analysis of Location and Demographic Factors,” with Nancy Steinmetz.

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