A Critical Realist Theory of Sport

This book explores the fracturing of sport in the era of global or financialized capitalism and presents an alternative sociological understanding of sport rooted in critical realism and critical theory. It offers detailed studies of various types of sporting or athletic activity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 188 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book makes a compelling argument that sport has experienced a significant transformation in the era of global or financialized capitalism, necessitating a re-evaluation of established narratives about the evolution of traditional sports to modern ones. By exploring alternative perspectives on sport, it presents in-depth and illustrative studies of diverse sporting activities, such as soccer, cricket, rugby, and track and field. These studies aim to provide a sociological understanding of sport that is grounded in the philosophies and theories of critical realism and critical theory. Consequently, A Critical Realist Theory of Sport will be of great interest to scholars in the fields of sociology and social theory who are passionate about sport, research methodologies, and critical realist thought.

The book begins by challenging the conventional understanding of sport as a mere leisure activity or a source of entertainment. Instead, it argues that sport has become increasingly fragmented and complex due to the forces of global capitalism. This fragmentation has led to the emergence of new forms of sporting or athletic activity, as well as the erosion of traditional boundaries and hierarchies within the sport industry.

To address this issue, the book offers a critical realist approach to the study of sport. Critical realism is a philosophical framework that emphasizes the importance of social structures, power relations, and cultural norms in shaping human behavior and experiences. It posits that social reality is not a fixed and objective entity, but rather a complex and dynamic process that is shaped by the interactions between individuals and social structures.

The book applies this critical realist framework to the study of sport by examining the various types of sporting or athletic activity that exist in the contemporary world. It explores the social, economic, and political factors that contribute to the development and organization of these activities, as well as the ways in which they are shaped by and contribute to the broader social and cultural landscape.

Through its detailed and illustrative studies, the book aims to provide a new sociological understanding of sport that is grounded in the principles of critical realism and critical theory. It challenges the dominant narratives about sport that are often based on simplistic assumptions and ideological biases. Instead, it offers a more nuanced and complex account of sport that recognizes the role of social structures, power relations, and cultural norms in shaping its development and organization.

The book will appeal to scholars of sociology and social theory with interests in sport, research methods, and critical realist thought. It provides a valuable contribution to the growing body of literature on sport and society, and it will be of interest to researchers, students, and practitioners in the field of sport management, coaching, and policy.

Weight: 358g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367743185