The Impact of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games : Diminishing Contrasts, Increasing Varieties

The London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics were seen as a success and the hosts were praised for the promotion of equality, tolerance and unity as well as inspiring a legacy to continue these values. This volume contains a collection of sociological case studies which critically assess the diverse impacts of London 2012 and its key controversies. During the Games and in their immediate aftermath, the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics were heralded a success. The hosts, Great Britain, were celebrated by the media and the International Olympic Committee for the outward promotion of equality, tolerance and unity as well as inspiring a legacy to continue these core Olympic and Paralympic values. This volume attempts to question these assumed 'successes' using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Each chapter negotiates a different sociological topic relating to the juxtaposition between the assumed equality, tolerance and unity of London 2012, including perceptions of disabilities, gender equality and national identities. Addressing key controversies that emerged before, during and after the spectacle of the Games, this collection uses the sociological concept of 'diminishing contrasts, increasing varieties' to evaluate the real legacy of London 2012 "Cover" -- "Half-Title" -- "Series" -- "Title" -- "Copyright" -- "Contents" -- "Acknowledgements" -- "Notes on Contributors" -- "1 Introduction" -- "2 The 2012 Paralympics and Perceptions of Disability in the UK" -- "3 The GB Football Team for London 2012: Whatâ#x80;#x99;s All the Fuss About?" -- "4 London 2012: The Womenâ#x80;#x99;s Games? Examining the Photographic Evidence" -- "5 A Critical Examination of the London 2012 Legacy" -- "6 Conclusion: Diminishing Contrasts, Increasing Varieties" Front Matter....Pages i-viii Introduction....Pages 1-14 The 2012 Paralympics and Perceptions of Disability in the UK....Pages 15-34 The GB Football Team for London 2012: What’s All the Fuss About?....Pages 35-55 London 2012: The Women’s Games? Examining the Photographic Evidence....Pages 56-71 A Critical Examination of the London 2012 Legacy....Pages 72-93 Conclusion: Diminishing Contrasts, Increasing Varieties....Pages 94-107 Back Matter....Pages 108-112