Social Theory and Sport

Abstract Although sociologists have examined the institution of sport in relation to other social institutions and analyzed inequality in sport empirically, theoretical work in the field of the sociology of sport is limited. Examples of theoretical contributions include utilizing Bourdieu's perspective to discuss sport within a framework that takes into account history, social class, and prevailing economic systems. Sociologists have also applied feminist theory, critical race theory, Marxist theory, and social learning theory to understand inequities in sport. However, there are several substantative areas of theoretical thought that could improve the way sport is understood. Specifically, the political nature of sport, sport as art, and the moral assumptions embedded in sport should be examined. The political nature of sport includes understanding the intersection of sport and global politics and the similarities between sport and war. Sport as art includes understanding the creativity, competancy, spontaneity, and emotional qualities of sport. Moral assumptions embedded in sport include understanding how sport embodies and impresses assumptions about human nature and moral order. In order to fully understand the relationship of sport and society, a greater development in these areas and further application of dominant social theories to the field is necessary.