Practical Orientation and Function of Sport Sociology

It is demanded time and again that the sociology of sport should serve the praxis. This contribution examines if sport sociology is able to serve the praxis in this expected manner and which functions sport sociology is able to accomplish over and above those problems which are directly related to the praxis functions which at the same time can serve as a justification. This contribution shows that the idea, that science has to directly serve the praxis, is based on a false concept of science. Science is an independent social system formed according to its own rules and norms. Problems, which result from the relationship of science to other social spheres of existence that need scientific knowledge which result from these facts will be examined in detail. requirements. It should therefore not be a question of diminishing the differences, but of bridging these discrepancies without the application of knowledge being initially a case of coincidence. Those problems concerning the application of scientific knowledge which result from these facts will be examined in detail. The second part of this contribution examines the functions which can be made available by sport sociology. In addition to the enlargement of our information on our immediate field of action, the following functions can also be named: the relativization of our con ceptions and knowledge on the phenomenon of sport; the control and the re gulation of social conflicts and contradictory interests; the development of the social identity of sport organizations; the subdual of prejudice, idealization and tabus that sport often is confronted with.