Sport in Iceland

This book explores Icelandic cultural capital as a factor in sporting success, from traditions of workmanship, play and teamwork to international migration. The first study to focus specifically on the cultural aspects of a small nation's international sporting success, this is an original and illuminating contribution to the sociology of sport.

Vidar Halldorsson is an assistant professor in sociology at the University of Iceland

Preface: "The general within the particular" Part I: Setting the Scene 1. Introduction: "Small" teams and "big" results 2. From Nature and Nurture, to Culture: Theoretical basis and methods 3. Sport in Iceland: History, culture and organization Part II: How Icelandic Sports Progressed 4. Building the Infrastructure: Towards professionalism 5. New Conditions, New Generations, New heights Part III: How Icelanders Play Sport 6. The Icelandic "Madness": Winning the character contest 7. Teamwork: Playing your own game Part IV: How Culture Affects Sport 8. The Value of Play 9. The Advantages of Small Populations Part V: How It All Comes Together 10. Conclusion Appendix