Although everyone loves to watch a fair, evenly matched sports contest, there is no such thing as "pure sport." The Sport and Society Reader is a collection of key scholarly and journalistic articles that demonstrate the ways that the sports we love to watch and the teams we love to root for are embedded in important social structures and processes that undermine sports' "purity." The volume presents articles on:

• sports with - more or less - class
• race matters in sports
• gender myths and privileges in sports
• sports and deviance
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Sport has become a highly visible and highly significant component of contemporary society. This innovative anthology represents the perfect foundation text for any class looking to explore the sociology and culture of sport. It contains an unusual and exciting collection of classic essays, less familiar but challenging and provocative writings, and thoughtful editorial commentary that together represent a fascinating exploration of the nature and meaning of contemporary sport in society.

The Sport and Society Reader introduces the most important theoretical...

This comprehensive collection examines the culture of sport and its relationship with various social institutions. The editors first provide a broad overview of the field and describe the ways in which the concept of sport as a meritocratic contest is undermined by the powerful social structures within which it is embedded. Sections focus on political economy, violence, the media, education, politics, fans and community, and the body. Primary readings from noted scholars in each section address current issues such as the presence of big-time sports in educational institutions; the effects of...