Social Theory: A Power Analysis of University Performance Sport

Abstract

The key theory involved in this research is of a social nature, it applies the social theories of habitus, field, capital and social space to the coach athlete relationship. Drawing from previous research, this study aims to provide an in depth analysis of university performance sport and further investigate the coach athlete relationship as an inherently ambiguous, complex phenomenon, (Jones and Wallace, 2005). Key findings of this research demonstrated that habitus, capital, field and social space do affect the power relationships with the hockey team in forever changing and interlinking ways, due to the complex social nature of the coach athlete relationship. This identified that the coach-athlete relationship is an inherently ambiguous, complex phenomenon. Semi-structured interviews were used to gain in depth insight into these theories, three participants of Moulin Hockey Ladies 1st Team (a pseudonym) were interviewed gaining insight into their personal relationships with both the coach and the rest of Moulin Hockey. This study aids in gaining greater insight into the affect social relationships have on the coach-athlete relationship in various situations. This is evident in both competitive (training and matches) and social situations (outside of hockey). Coaches will be able to better understand how their interaction with the team affects the power relationships within the team.