Handbook Of Sports Sociology

Author: D.S Dhull.

Sociology of sport, alternately referred to as sports sociology, is a sub-discipline of sociology which focuses on sports as social phenomena. It is an area of study concerned with various socio-cultural structures, patterns, and organizations or groups involved with sport. Although sports sociology is a subdiscipline of exercise science, it is also a part of the parent discipline of sociology, which is the study of human behaviour and social interactions within particular contexts. Sports sociology examines sports as a part of cultural and social life, and adds a different dimension and perspective to the study of sports and exercise. More specifically, sports sociology examines the relationship between sports and society and seeks answers to many issues and questions regarding sports and culture. Sport is assumed by many to promote those character traits generally deemed desirable, such as fair play, sportsmanship, obedience to authority, hard work and a commitment to excellence. A large area of study within the sociology of sports is gender, including gender inequality and the role that gender has played in sports throughout history. For example, in the 1800’s, the participation of women in sports was discouraged or banned and it was not until 1850 that physical education for women was introduced at colleges. Even through the 1930s, basketball, track and field, and softball were considered too masculine for proper women. The past several decades have seen a tremendous change in this area and now women’s participation in sports is approaching men’s, though differences are still present. It is hoped that the present book will be of immensely useful for the students of physical education and sports sciences and other related courses.

ISBN: 8193723418

1495

1495