{"product_id":"athletes-sexual-assault-and-trials-by-media-critical","title":"Athletes, Sexual Assault, and Trials by Media - Critical","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of Athletes, Sexual Assault, and Trials by Media, Deb Waterhouse-Watson offers a focused, academic examination of how Australian footballers accused of sexual assault are portrayed in news coverage. The book is best for readers interested in media studies, gender studies and the sociology of sport; its single biggest reason to buy is the clear argument that media narratives produce a form of \"narrative immunity\" that shields athletes from accountability. The review finds the book rigorous in linking stereotypes and public outcomes, making it essential reading for researchers and informed readers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFocused case analysis:\u003c\/strong\u003e Draws on high-profile Australian footballer cases to show how media stories shape public perception and legal outcomes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConcept of narrative immunity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Introduces and explains the idea that media narratives can effectively acquit athletes in the court of public opinion, offering a new lens for criticism.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStereotype unpacking:\u003c\/strong\u003e Identifies recurring tropes such as the gold digger and predatory woman to explain how alleged victims are discredited in coverage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInterdisciplinary approach:\u003c\/strong\u003e Connects media studies, gender studies and sport sociology to give readers multiple ways to interpret coverage of assault allegations.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eContemporary relevance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Focuses on cases since 2004, giving context to ongoing public debates about sport, masculinity and media accountability.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScholars, graduate students and journalists investigating the intersection of sport, media and gender will find this book most useful; its close readings and theoretical framing are suited to academic coursework and research. Readers interested in how public narratives influence legal and social consequences around sexual assault will gain concrete examples and a coherent argument.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is less suitable for casual readers seeking a broad history of sport or a general introduction to sexual assault law, as the book concentrates on media representation rather than legal procedure or biography of athletes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClear theoretical contribution in the term \"narrative immunity\" that helps explain media effects in sport.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConcrete case studies drawn from Australian football provide specific, relatable examples to support claims.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCross-disciplinary perspective links gender studies and media analysis for richer interpretation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFocused scope on Australian football means readers seeking global comparisons may need supplemental sources.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTitle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAthletes, Sexual Assault, and Trials by Media\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSeries\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRoutledge Research in Sport, Culture and Society\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAuthor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDeb Waterhouse-Watson\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSubject areas\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMedia studies; Gender studies; Sport sociology\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocus period\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCases since 2004\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMain themes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNarrative immunity; Stereotypes; Trials by media\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeb Waterhouse-Watson delivers a tightly argued, well-sourced study that is valuable for academics and informed readers examining media influence on sexual assault cases in sport. Its specific focus and theoretical clarity make it good value for courses or research on gender, media and sport, though those seeking broader comparative scope will want complementary texts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes this book focus on legal trials?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe book concentrates on media representation and the concept of trials by media rather than courtroom procedure or legal analysis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the focus geographic or global?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe analysis centers on Australian football cases and the media narratives that emerged there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho would benefit most from reading it?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStudents and researchers in media studies, gender studies and sport sociology will find the arguments and case studies especially useful.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Deb Waterhouse-Watson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48755784712411,"sku":"0415658381","price":200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/61lurmbaPdL._SL1388.jpg?v=1778226234","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/athletes-sexual-assault-and-trials-by-media-critical","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}