Ekain Zubizarreta

Bio: Ekain Zubizarreta is an academic researcher from Paris West University Nanterre La Défense. The author has contributed to research in topic(s): Agency (philosophy) & Epistemic community. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 2 publication(s) receiving 6 citation(s). Previous affiliations of Ekain Zubizarreta include National University of Colombia.

Power relationships between the WADA and NADOs and their effects on anti-doping

Abstract: We propose to apply sociological theories focusing on power and domination, with the twofold objective of advancing sociological research and bettering the understanding of the reality of anti-doping. Ethnographic studies conducted in eight countries have allowed us to compile heterogeneous data based on official documents from institutions, semi-structured interviews and observations in the field. Firstly, the study showed that NADOs had little decision-making power within WADA, besides giving feedback on the consultation processes. Secondly, decisions made by the latter were not always viewed positively, as they were seen as arbitrary and did not reflect NADOs’ opinions and priorities. Furthermore, WADA developed assessment procedures focused on NADOs’ activities and prioritizing short-term effects. As a result, we have perceived a decrease in the adoption of innovative solutions for local problems and the omission of several national realities due to the long chain of delegation existing between decision-making arenas and the implementation of procedures in the field. Finally, the study reveals the dissatisfaction or even disengagement that exists among NADO representatives. We argue that compliance has become the primary objective for some NADOs, which could result in prioritizing actions that are valued and recognised by WADA, thus hindering the development of anti-doping programs adapted to their local realities, or even evading anti-doping procedures.

A proposal for theoretical and empirical extension of the sociology of anti-doping

Abstract: The purpose of the paper is to highlight the interest of using diverse sociological approaches and models for studying anti-doping (developed outside the epistemic community of researchers working on doping) and to point out the sociological interest of the doping issue for social sciences. First, we will present a model developed by pragmatic sociologists for describing social issues in society that could assist researchers in describing the complex reality of the anti-doping issue. The model proposes to examine the ways in which axiology, devices and realities are articulated in anti-doping related criticism and the existing circulation between the six social logics described in it. Its use could allow researchers to apprehend local and global transformations in the system and the articulations between these two levels. Second, we will resume the most relevant results of a research that analysed the prevention activity using an approach of work sociologists. A part of this research sought to identify the meaning that people working in prevention gave to their activity. The received answers were manifold; five ways of “doing prevention” were identified, to which institutions were committed differently. The described panorama showed a dispute where the debate as such was not tabled and nobody seemed able to definitively close the dispute, not even the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Finally, an ongoing research will be presented. It focuses on the procedures-based management implemented by WADA and aims to compare its development with the implementation of similar management systems by other institutions. The research could allow us identifying possible related risks, for example, the loss of the pleasure of working, the emergence of fear or the increasing work pressure. We hope the paper will encourage other social researchers to renew the usual theoretical approaches.

The iron cage revisited: Institutional isomorphism and collective rationality in organizational fields (Chinese Translation)

Abstract: What makes organizations so similar? We contend that the engine of rationalization and bureaucratization has moved from the competitive marketplace to the state and the professions. Once a set of organizations emerges as a field, a paradox arises: rational actors make their organizations increasingly similar as they try to change them. We describe three isomorphic processes-coercive, mimetic, and normative—leading to this outcome. We then specify hypotheses about the impact of resource centralization and dependency, goal ambiguity and technical uncertainty, and professionalization and structuration on isomorphic change. Finally, we suggest implications for theories of organizations and social change.

The Spirit of Luc Boltanski: Chapter Outline, in The Spirit of Luc Boltanski: Essays on the ‘Pragmatic Sociology of Critique’

Abstract: This Introduction contains a brief summary of the key themes, issues, and controversies covered in each of the following chapters.

L’emprise comme expérience. enquêtes pragmatiques et théories du pouvoir

Abstract: Longtemps, la sociologie pragmatique a considere qu’elle ne pouvait rien enoncer sur les jeux de pouvoir. Une de ses regles de methode exigeait de s’en remettre aux acteurs eux-memes des lors qu’ils entreprennent de devoiler, au fil de polemiques et de proces, des figures du pouvoir ou de la domination. En s’appuyant sur de nombreux dossiers l’article montre comment inflechir l’enquete pragmatique pour apprehender autrement la critique des rapports de pouvoir, dont le degre de visibilite publique depend de la trajectoire suivie par des acteurs pris dans une logique de crise ou de conflit. Les ressorts principaux d’une emprise reussie et sur lesquels porte tout travail de deprise sont tour a tour exposes : imperatif de justification, entretien d’un besoin de reconnaissance, controle des instruments d’evaluation, production d’un echange inegal invisible.

O credenciamento do laboratório antidopagem: ciência e política na luta contra o doping no esporte

Abstract: RESUMO A pesquisa social sobre doping e a luta contra ele cresceu nos ultimos anos, porem sua distribuicao e desigual. O objetivo e descrever como os interesses da WADA e do governo brasileiro para ter o laboratorio preparado para os Jogos de 2016 afetaram a luta antidopagem. Adotamos procedimentos etnograficos para analisar a suspensao, descredenciamento e recredenciamento do LBCD (2013-2015). Com ajuda da sociologia pragmatica, visualizaram-se associacoes e interesses dos atores. Especificamente, retratou-se como a WADA conseguiu pressionar o governo por meio do descredenciamento de 2013 e, a partir das acoes e associacoes do governo, como ela foi flexivel para recredenciar um laboratorio em condicoes inadequadas, a fim de mante-lo atuante para os Jogos de 2016.