Chapter 2 How Do We Study Sport?

Chapter Outline Research methods Social theories Status of sport sociology Chapter summary

Two Main Research Methods Quantifiable: Collects or studies data that can be counted and analyzed statistically. Qualitative: Collects information through interviews or observation of individuals, groups, societal characteristics, and trends.

Survey Research Methodology: questionnaires Pros: Quickly collects much data for trend analysis; random sampling permits generalization to larger population. Cons: Relies on self-reports; may not account for personal differences; may mislead if data are not discreet enough.

Interviewing Methodology: questioning individuals or small (focus) groups Pros: Can be in depth; can prompt unexpected answers. Cons: Can be time consuming, expensive, and limited to small samples.

Content Research (Analysis) Methodology: collecting information or pictures from media and assigning themes Pros: Can assess much data; can analyze societal priorities and biases. Con: Uses inferences from others’ reporting rather than from self-reports.

Ethnography Methodology: notes and conversations obtained by personal observation and immersion in an environment or group Pro: Provides an insider view. Cons: Can be costly and time intensive.

Historical Research Methodology: examining primary documents, interviewing primary sources and experts, and analyzing historians’ interpretations Pros: Examines sport trends over time; can make comparisons with society at large. Con: Addresses only large societal trends.

Societal Analysis Methodology: analyzing data obtained through various methods already described Pro: Applies social theories and models to examine life from a social point of view. Con: If only one theory or model is used, it may ignore salient facts or skew analysis.

Discussion Give an example of how each of the six research methods could be used by the NFL to study domestic violence committed by NFL players and staff.

Social Theories Used to examine sport trends and learn how sport reinforces, reflects culture, or acts as a change agent. Help organize how we look at an issue. Used to describe, analyze, formulate beliefs, and make predictions.

Summary of Social Theories For a summary of social theories used in the study of sport, see table 2.1.

Functionalist Theory Sport helps maintain societal status quo and equilibrium by building character and teaching values. Sport reinforces society’s value system. Example: Little League baseball teaches teamwork and fair play. Weaknesses: Overemphasizes positive consequences of sport; downplays disenfranchised populations.

Conflict Theory Economic interests shape the world, and sport reinforces existing power structures. Focuses on forces that produce instability, disruption, and disorganization. Example: College football resists eliminating bowl games because they generate much revenue. Weakness: Relies too heavily on economics.

Critical Theory Studies the power or authority that a group wields over others (i.e., hegemony). Sport does not simply mirror society but can change beliefs and relationships. Example: Coaches may think athletes must play certain positions based on their race. Weaknesses: Can be confusing; may be useful only in specific cases.

Feminist Theory Society is patriarchal and ignores or undervalues female virtues. Objectively analyzes the status of women in sport. Example: Media focus on male sport can teach society to undervalue female sport. Weakness: Can overlook other factors.

Interactionist Theory Focuses on social interactions and relationships (bottom-up approach). Assumes choices are deliberate, conscious, and based on their effect on self and others. Example: Consider needs of youth athletes in defining youth sport structure. Weakness: Focuses on the individual, ignoring the role of overall power structure.

Figurational Theory Emphasizes people’s connections and interdependence. Examines historical changes of networks of people over time. Example: Analyzes how athletes of different ages view sport involvement. Weaknesses: Reduces the urgency for change.

Sport Sociology Associations International Committee for the Sport Sociology (1964), now the International Sociology of Sport Association North American Society for the Sociology of Sport (1978)

Sport Sociology Journals International Review for the Sociology of Sport (1966) Sociology of Sport Journal (1984)

Discussion What is the difference between reading an article in Sports Illustrated and reading an article written by a sport sociologist? What is the importance of understanding research in the sociology of sport?