Fundamentals of Sociology of Sport and Physical Activity

Fundamentals of Sociology of Sport and Physical Activity presents information on sociology of sport to prepare readers for advanced study or practice in the field. A quick professional reference and an excellent resource for students, this text offers insights into this exciting field, explores the impact of sport in society, and examines careers in sport and physical activity that can benefit from sociological insights.

Written by a team with experience in both academia and community-based sport leadership, Fundamentals of Sociology of Sport and Physical Activity introduces readers to some of the common and ongoing sociocultural questions in this field, including those of equity in gender and race, participation across areas, prominent cultural values and messages as portrayed by mass media, youth development, and sport for peace and development. The book demonstrates how those questions and ideas can be applied and used by a variety of professionals, explains some of the essential components of professional preparation, and suggests some potential paths to employment.

The text includes several learning features to keep readers engaged and focused:

• Success Story segments profile researchers and professionals using sociological insight in beneficial ways, showing readers content applications and career opportunities.

• Using Your Sociological Imagination sidebars illuminate how a sociological lens can transform the way a reader looks at sport in society

• Time Capsule sidebars present historical information and interesting facts about events and sport movements that have made lasting impacts on society.

The text is divided into two parts and begins with a discussion of the origin of the social and cultural analysis of physical activity. Part I details the development of the field and its professional organizations, lists important publications, and explores opportunities for professional practice. Part II looks at common social spaces for physical activity—sport, exercise, and school—and examines them from a sociological viewpoint. By presenting an overview of the areas involved in the sociology of sport, the text allows readers to focus their efforts to prepare for further study, research, and career opportunities. Appendixes include a list of online and print resources for further study as well as tips on applying the principles of sociology to various positions in the sport industry. These features and resources will help build enthusiasm among readers and open their eyes to the opportunities in the field.

Concise, informative, and practical, Fundamentals of Sociology of Sport and Physical Activity addresses the academic foundations of the field for a broad audience while providing real-world examples of sociology of sport and physical activity. From global events like the Olympic Games to community events like playground games, the text highlights the many ways in which sport affects daily life and emphasizes the importance of a loving critique of those effects.

This text is part of Human Kinetics’ Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Science series. The series helps students and professionals understand the basic topics, goals, and applications of the many subdisciplines in kinesiology. This and other books in the series provide a solid grounding that readers can use as a jumping-off point for further study.

Katherine M. Jamieson, PhD, is a professor in the department of kinesiology and health science at California State University at Sacramento. Dr. Jamieson’s research interests include various issues related to sport, power, and social stratification. Her most current research involves transnational feminist and postcolonial analyses of physical culture. Dr. Jamieson is a regular reviewer for the Journal of Sport and Social Issues, Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal, and Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport. Courses regularly taught by Dr. Jamieson are Sport in Society: Race, Class, and Gender; Sport in Society: Global and Ethnic Relations; Qualitative Inquiry in Health and Human Performance; and Sport and Feminisms. Her research has been published in Sociology of Sport Journal; Journal of Sport and Social Issues; Avante; Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal; Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance; Reading Sport: Critical Essays on Power and Representation; and Contemporary Issues in the Sociology of Sport.

Maureen M. Smith, PhD, is a professor in the department of kinesiology and health science at California State University at Sacramento. Dr. Smith’s present research interests are examining racial issues in sport and material culture related to sport, specifically sport statues and monuments. She is the coauthor (with Rita Liberti) of (Re) PresentingWilma Rudolph (Syracuse University Press, 2015). Dr. Smith is a regular reviewer for the International Journal of the History of Sport. Courses regularly taught by Dr. Smith are Sociology of Sport, History and Philosophy of Sport and Physical Education, and Sport in Society. Her research has been published in the Journal of Sport and Social Issues, Journal of Sport History, Sport and Society, and International Journal of the History of Sport. Dr. Smith is a past president of the North American Society for Sport History.