The Role of Theories within Sport Sociology

In: International review of sport sociology: irss ; a quarterly edited on behalf of the International Sociology of Sport Association (ISSA), Band 16, Heft 2, S. 5-19

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to outline several levels of theoretical abstraction in sociology and to apply these to the subfield of sport sociology. Specifically, the levels of abstraction discussed include grand theory, paradigms, theories of middle- range, and empirical generalizations. The focus of the paper is on Merton's theories of middle-range as the level of abstraction that holds the most promise for the accumulation of knowledge in sociology of sport. Several research traditions in sport sociology are examined that demonstrate a middle-range level of theoretical abstraction.