Impacts of reflexive modernization in the context of sports, tourism, and leisure activities in nature: A theoretical review

AbstractThis article aims to understand the extent to which reflexive modernization dynamics have had an impact on tourism, sports, and recreational activities in nature. To this end, this exploratory, bibliographic, and theoretical article is organized in three sections. In the first, we approach the theoretical background used to analyze the investigated object. Next, we make a brief digression to describe the reconfigurations of recreational activities developed in nature over time until the advent of reflexive modernity advent. Finally, in the third part of the study, we seek to show how reflexive modernization has affected tourism, sports, and recreational activities carried out in nature. In general terms, after the analyses, it was possible to infer that reflexive modernization has structurally modified recreational practices in nature, impacting how the market provides products in view of how people relate to the natural environment.Keywords: Adventure activitiesecotourismleisurerisk societysociology of sport AcknowledgmentsThis study was carried out with support from the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel - Brazil (CAPES) - Financing Code 001.Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.Notes1 Just as the authors Beck and Giddens do in some of their theoretical discussions in this text, in particular, we also use synonymous concepts that refer to reflexive modernization. Thus, in some moments of this study, we can refer to “reflexive modernization” using other terms mobilized by the authors in their productions, such as “radicalized modernity”, “high modernity”, “late modernity”, “second modernity” and “risk society”.2 It refers to the risks produced by humanity as a by-product of the social development of modern societies. The side effects of industrialization on the environment are an example of the risks and uncertainties self-made by human beings.3 The formulaic truth notion is related to tradition. In general, it is when one tries to preserve or reinforce an idea, a ritual, or a custom even if it is no longer in line with the singularities of the present. In science, it would be the same as forcing a scientific theory even knowing its inconsistencies and limitations.Additional informationFundingCoordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior – CAPES/BRASIL.