Roller Derby: The History of an American Sport

Roller derby has been a cultural mainstay for one reason: it has always been coed. This comprehensive history explores how roller derby has challenged and conformed to social norms, producing gender relations and gender politics unlike those of traditional sex-segregated sports.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2021
Publisher: University of Texas Press

Since 1935, roller derby has captivated fans and skaters with its non-stop action, hard hits, and edgy attitude. However, despite the undeniable athleticism of its participants, roller derby has never been fully embraced as a "real" sport. In her book, Roller Derby: A Cultural History, Michella M. Marino, a former skater herself, delves into the history of a sport that has long been a cultural staple, for one reason that is both utterly simple and infinitely complex: roller derby has always been coed.

Richly illustrated and drawing on oral histories, archival materials, media coverage, and personal experiences, Roller Derby is the first comprehensive history of this cultural phenomenon, enjoyed by millions yet spurned by mainstream gatekeepers. Amid the social constraints of the mid-twentieth century, roller derby's emphasis on gender equality drew male and female athletes alike, producing gender relations and gender politics that differed from those of traditional sex-segregated sports. In an enlightening feminist critique, Marino examines how roller derby management's promotion of pregnancy and motherhood has simultaneously challenged and conformed to social norms.

Finally, Marino assesses the sport's present and future after its resurgence in the 2000s. Roller derby has come a long way since its inception, and its unique blend of athleticism, gender equality, and cultural significance continues to captivate fans around the world. As the sport continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape, it remains a testament to the power of sports to challenge norms, promote diversity, and inspire generations to come.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781477323823