Social Sciences in Sport presents discipline-specific knowledge in the social sciences, which aids in understanding the problems and potential of contemporary sport practices and experiences. This interdisciplinary reference provides in-depth coverage of sport studies and 14 social sciences, drawing connections across these disciplines to illuminate key issues and illustrate possibilities for change.
Written by leading figures in the social sciences, the book synthesizes theory and research in social science and sport into four distinct areas:
Identity, which discusses individual development and ethical considerations from history, philosophy, and psychology
Community, which considers anthropology, sociology, geography, and media studies when looking at sport in social groups
Capital, which draws research in status, wealth, power, and resources from economics, political science, and international relations
Governance, which discusses the enhancement of sport through law, social policy, management studies, and education
Organized around these topics into four parts,this reference places sport in the broader social sciences, showing where researchers in kinesiology and other disciplines can augment their knowledge base. Noting the range of issues and concerns in today’s sport environment, readers will analyze the potential of a human development model in sport studies.
Introduction: Making the Case for the Social Sciences of Sport, Exercise, and Health
The Sport Ethic and the Natural Sciences
Proposing a Human Development Model
Part I. Identity: Definitions, Development, and the Individual
Chapter 1. History of Sport
Wray Vamplew, PhD
Development of the Discipline
Relationships With Other Disciplines
Core Concepts
Main Theoretical Perspectives
Critical Findings
Key Debates
Issues for the Sport History Research Agenda
Summary
Chapter 2. Philosophy of Sport
Sigmund Loland, PhD, and Michael McNamee, PhD
Historical Overview of the Discipline
Main Theoretical Perspectives
Key Debates
Future Directions
Summary
Chapter 3. Psychology of Sport
David Lavallee, PhD, John Kremer, PhD, and Aidan Moran, PhD
Core Concepts
Main Theoretical Perspectives
Critical Findings
Key Debates
Summary
Part II. Community: Place, Space, Image, and the Social
Chapter 4. Anthropology of Sport
Alan Klein, PhD
Foundations in Sociocultural Anthropology
Post-1970: The Athletic El Dorado and the Anthropologists Who Seek Him
Looking Outward
Summary
Chapter 5. Sociology of Sport
Joseph Maguire, PhD
Historical Development and Core Concepts
Main Theoretical Perspectives
A Sociological Account of Sport: Critical Findings
Future Directions and Key Debates
Summary
Chapter 6. Geography of Sport
Christopher Gaffney, PhD
Historical Trajectory of the Geography of Sport
Core Concepts
Main Theoretical Perspectives
Key Debates and Critical Findings
Future Directions
Summary
Chapter 7. Media Studies and Sport
David Rowe, PhD
Historical Connections and Questions in Media Studies
Understanding Media: Core Concepts
Media Powers and Routines: Main Theoretical Perspectives
Critical Findings and Key Debates in Sport and Media
Conclusion: Sport and Media Studies in Transition
Part III. Capital: Wealth, Power, and Resources
Chapter 8. Economics and Sport
Stefan Szymanski, PhD
Professional League Model: Theory and Policy
Productivity Studies
Economic Impact: Measurement, Theory, and Policy
Sport, Physical Activity, and Well-Being
Illustrations of Economic Issues
Conclusions
Chapter 9. Political Science and Sport
Jonathan Grix, PhD
Core Concepts in Political Science
Study of Sport and Politics
Research Paradigms and Theoretical Perspectives in Political Science
Applying Political Science and Sport: The Governance of Sport and the Politics of Mega-Events
Summary
Chapter 10. International Relations and Sport
Roger Levermore, PhD, and Aaron Beacom, PhD
Core Concepts and Main Theoretical Perspectives
Critical Findings and Key Debates
SummaryPart IV. Governance: Regulation, Organization, and Implementation
Chapter 11. Sport and the Law
Deborah Healey, LLB, LLM (Hons)
The Global Organization and Regulation of Sport
Overview: The Place of Law in Sport
Are the Courts Always Interested in Sport?
Governance
Aspects of Industry Self-Regulation in Sport
Summary
Chapter 12. Sport and Social Policy
Ramón Spaaij, PhD
Discipline of Social Policy: A Historical Overview
Main Theoretical Perspectives
Key Concepts
Key Debates
Summary
Chapter 13. Sport and Management Studies
Lucie Thibault, PhD
Sport as a Unique Industry
Historical Overview
Core Concepts
Main Theoretical Perspectives
Critical Findings
Key Debates
Summary
Chapter 14. Sport and Education
Dawn Penney, PhD
Core Concepts
Theoretical Perspectives
Critical Findings
Key Debates
Summary
Joseph Maguire, PhD, is a professor of sociology of sport in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Loughborough University in the United Kingdom. He is a past president of both the International Sociology of Sport Association (ISSA) and International Sociological Association Research Committee 27 (Sociology of Sport). He is on the executive board of the International Council of Sport Science and Physical Education and has acted as an assessor for the Association of Commonwealth Universities Scholarship Scheme. He has served on scientific committees for the World Congress of Sociology and has presented papers at the American Sociological Association, British Sociological Association, and World Congresses in Sociology and the Sociology of Sport. He is a member of the ESRC Peer Review College. His recent publications include the single-authored text Reflections on Process Sociology and Sport: Walking the Line and the coedited texts Sport Across Asia: Politics, Cultures, and Identities and Sport and Migration: Borders, Boundaries and Crossings.