Framing Narratives of Doping and Disgrace

Abstract

This chapter sets out the theoretical framework used in the study. This draws upon Erving Goffman’s accounts of self-presentation and the management of stigma and ‘spoiled identity’. Alongside Goffman, it borrows from Sykes and Matza’s influential account of ‘techniques of neutralisation’ — resources used to manage the consequences of being accused or labelled as delinquent and deviant. Then, it introduces readers to the athletes whose stories will provide the focus of discussion in subsequent chapters — sprinters Marion Jones and Dwain Chambers, and pro cyclists Tyler Hamilton, David Miller and Lance Armstrong.