Utilizing Field Theory to Examine Mega-Event Led Development

Abstract

Scholars and practitioners have long been analyzing and evaluating the way events, particularly mega-events, serve as a mechanism of change. Powerful descriptions are typically brought to life via event impact and legacy case studies: yet, I argue such work can remain atheoretical—or—conceptually disorganized. I draw on Bourdieu's field theory and the management study of Field Configuring Events to develop a new analytical framework: the "Cognitive and Relational Mapping of Field Configuring Events"—offering a set of interrelated concepts to strengthen analysis and conceptual consistency between studies, while providing latitude to overlay different disciplinary perspectives. I detail methodological and conceptual advantages afforded alongside six ways the framework could be applied and extended across various cases and contexts.

Reference

Duignan, M.B. (2022). Utilizing Field Theory to Examine Mega-Event Led Development. Event Management, https://doi.org/10.3727/152599520X15894679115583 (Open Access).

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Accommodating (global-glocal) paradoxes across event planning