The Sociology of Sports

The Sociology of Sports explores the sociological significance of sports in the United States and around the world. The anthology features diverse readings and perspectives that illustrate the important role of sports in the lives of millions of people. The text is organized into six sections. The first provides an overview of the main theories used to shed light on all social behavior and explains sports sociology. The second examines how sports perpetuate race, class, gender, and religious inequality. Section Three explores the positive and negative effects of technology on sports. Section Four includes descriptions and analyses of recent trends in youth and amateur sports, while Section Five considers changes in fan and player behavior over time. The final section discusses how sports shape and are shaped by politics and the economy. Accessible and interesting, The Sociology of Sports alerts readers to legitimate concerns about sports while also celebrating the positive role that sports play in health and community building. Brandon Lang is an associate professor of sociology at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. He holds a Ph.D. in sociology from North Carolina State University, Raleigh and his current research examines public perceptions of Native American team names and issues relating to counterfeit sports jerseys. In addition to the sociology of sports, Dr. Lang is interested in the sociology of community, the environment, and music. His writing has appeared in numerous journals includingCulture and Agriculture, Technology in Society, and theJournal of Environmental Education. Dr. Lang is a member of the International Sociology of Sport Association and the Southwestern Sociological Association.