Countercultural sports and local policies: An approach from the theory of public policy networks

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the degree of institutionalization of the so-called lifestyle sports in the city of Zaragoza, with the aim of establishing approach strategies between administration and users to improve both the practice of these sports modalities and the adequacy and management of their spaces of practice, from the theoretical framework of public policy networks. Through a qualitative methodology (semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and content analysis), 27 sports modalities were analyzed and allocated in a continuum based on their degree of institutionalization, communication channels between members, as well as the use of more or less fixed facilities or places for their practice. In the discussion of the results we reflect on the desired and undesired consequences of public policies implemented with respect to these sports modalities, as well as on the complex dialectic between institutional support and «domestication». Finally, action strategies are proposed based on the analysis performed.