Using a topics-based approach organized around provocative questions about the interaction of sports, culture and society, Sports in Society presents an accessible introduction to research and theory in the sociology of sport.This new edition continues the legacy of the previous editions while introducing new material and examples that bring theory to life. Current debates in sports, such as how youth participation can be increased or sport funding allocated, have been integrated throughout the text to provide a holistic view of society.An Online Learning Centre accompanies this book offering a range of lecturer support materials as well as resources and tests for students.
About the authors
Preface
Acknowledgements
Guided tour1 The sociology of sport: what is it and why study it?
2 Using social theories: how can they help us study sports in society?
3 Studying the past: does it help us understand sports today?
4 Sports and socialization: who plays and what happens to them?
5 Sports and young people: are organized schemes worth the effort?
6 Deviance in sports: is it out of control?
7 Violence in sports: how does it affect our lives?
8 Gender and sports: does equity require ideological changes?
9 Race, ethnicity and national identity: are they important in sports?
10 Social class: do money and power matter in sports?
11 Age and ability: barriers to participation and inclusion?
12 Sports and the economy: what are the characteristics of commercial sports?
13 Sports and the media: could they survive without each other?
14 Sports, politics and globalization: how do governments and global processes influence sports?
15 Sports in the future: what do we want them to be?
References
Index
