Social Theory, Sport, Leisure

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.