utenfor banen: studiet av idrettsutøveres karriereoverganger og fenomenene overførbare ferdigheter og identitet

Abstract

Studies on an athlete’s career transitions, and the phenomenon of transferrable skills and identity are largely dominated by psychological fields. However, in recent years these topics have received attention within sociology. Unfortunately, the wealth of literature on this topic with a sociological background is low. Therefore, in this thesis I aim to contribute to the sociology of this subject by studying the professional footballer’s experiences, perceptions and understanding of said phenomena. The sociological perspectives on career transitions in professional footballers is sparse, and I wanted to find out more. By examining theories on transition, transferrable skills, identity, and success, I found what key elements to look for here in Norway. I conducted a qualitative study consisting of semi-structured interviews with three Norwegian ex professional footballers. I wanted to see if their experiences of transition, and the phenomena it entailed, found similarities with the existing theory. These Ex professional footballers have gone through transition and experienced it first hand and could therefore provide me with their insights and perspectives, whilst finding relation and similarities with the over-arching theoretical framework. What I found in this study was that a theoretical sociological framework allowed for a unique understanding of the empirical answers received by the respondents. Key findings indicate that without the awareness of transferrable skills, a foreclosed athletic identity and no social support systems, transition would prove to be difficult. Conversely, athletes with a more diversified identity and understanding of their skillsets demonstrate better adaptability to transition, and ultimately experience a smoother and more successful transition. The research in this thesis underscores the importance of fostering a balanced identity and enhancing the awareness of transferrable skills within athletes before they retire, providing them with more tools to compete with others in the employment phase. Lastly, the implications of this thesis can prove important for players, coaches, support systems and future employers as it emphasizes the need for comprehensive understanding of the phenomena to allow for the holistic development of elite athletes

Studies on an athlete’s career transitions, and the phenomenon of transferrable skills and identity are largely dominated by psychological fields. However, in recent years these topics have received attention within sociology. Unfortunately, the wealth of literature on this topic with a sociological background is low. Therefore, in this thesis I aim to contribute to the sociology of this subject by studying the professional footballer’s experiences, perceptions and understanding of said phenomena. The sociological perspectives on career transitions in professional footballers is sparse, and I wanted to find out more. By examining theories on transition, transferrable skills, identity, and success, I found what key elements to look for here in Norway. I conducted a qualitative study consisting of semi-structured interviews with three Norwegian ex professional footballers. I wanted to see if their experiences of transition, and the phenomena it entailed, found similarities with the existing theory. These Ex professional footballers have gone through transition and experienced it first hand and could therefore provide me with their insights and perspectives, whilst finding relation and similarities with the over-arching theoretical framework. What I found in this study was that a theoretical sociological framework allowed for a unique understanding of the empirical answers received by the respondents. Key findings indicate that without the awareness of transferrable skills, a foreclosed athletic identity and no social support systems, transition would prove to be difficult. Conversely, athletes with a more diversified identity and understanding of their skillsets demonstrate better adaptability to transition, and ultimately experience a smoother and more successful transition. The research in this thesis underscores the importance of fostering a balanced identity and enhancing the awareness of transferrable skills within athletes before they retire, providing them with more tools to compete with others in the employment phase. Lastly, the implications of this thesis can prove important for players, coaches, support systems and future employers as it emphasizes the need for comprehensive understanding of the phenomena to allow for the holistic development of elite athletes