Social Class and Sport: A Sociological Anlaysis (sic) of the Relationship that Exists Between Social Class and the Consumption of Sporting Practises.

Abstract

Sports role as a prominent social practise in contemporary society has proved to be a valued avenue of sociological investigation throughout history and into the current day, with a range of research produced regarding sports interlinking nature with society, in terms of promoting, maintaining and resisting broader social norms, perceptions and inequalities. Consequently this study attempted to address the problematic relationship that exists between sporting consumption and social class with particular reference to broader structural, cultural, institutional and individual aspects of society. In order to provide a holistic account of social class, particular attention was paid to classical modes of sociological thought developed by Karl Marx, Antonio Gramsci and Max Weber before applying them to a range of contemporary sporting settings. Additionally, Bourdieu’s theories of habitus, field and capital were adopted, offering an alternative perspective to the contributing factors and mechanisms that underpin class divisions and the subsequent perceptions, dispositions and inclinations they create. A range of empirical and qualitative evidence was used throughout the research to substantiate any arguments and conclusions made, culminating in an in-depth analysis of these two prominent, multi-dimensional areas of social debate. Subsequently the research produced a variety of broad and complex findings, continually highlighting the role of social class in terms of its influence in shaping individual perspectives and the subsequent effects this has on the consumption of sporting practises. Furthermore direct correlations were drawn regarding many of the inequalities that are embedded in broader society and their wide ranging influence in the continued stratification of sporting practises.