Social Theory, Sport, Leisure

This exceptionally clear text by a highly respected scholar explains the relevance of social theory, theorist by theorist, for the study of sport and leisure. The book covers the main social theorists using biographical detail to contextualise their ideas and bring personalities to life. The chapters follow a set format for ease of use, looking in turn at: questions from sport and leisure; the theorist’s main contribution to social theory; and how key ideas can be applied to sport and leisure. Pitched at entry-level students, the book offers the perfect guide to theoretical concepts that are fundamental to understanding the place and meaning of sport and leisure in society.

Ken Roberts’ Social Theory, Sport and Leisure offers a clear, compact primer in social theory for students needing to engage with the application of sociological perspectives to the study of sport and leisure. Written in a straightforward style and assuming no prior knowledge, the book offers a fresh and easy to read overview of sociology’s contribution to sport and leisure studies.

Ordered chronologically, each chapter:

• Focuses on the work of a major social theorist and their most influential ideas
• Provides helpful historical and biographical detail to set the person and their thinking in contemporary context
• Identifies questions in sport and leisure on which the theory can shed useful light
• Considers how the ideas can be, or have been, applied in the study of sport and leisure
• Works as a self-contained unit, enabling students and lecturers to use the book flexibly according to their needs.

Written by an outstanding sociologist of leisure and sport, this intelligent yet jargon-free textbook enables students to get to grips with a wide range of important concepts and understand their diverse applications. As such, it is essential reading for any course designed to explore the place and meaning of sport and leisure in society.