Sport and Ideology in Contemporary Society

Abstract

This article investigates the significance of sport as a social phenomenon in con temporary society, and examines the relationship between the value structure of sport and dominant ideological values. The role which sport plays in enculturating dominant values is examined, and cross-cultural analyses concerning the societal functions of sport are presented. Empirical research into the cultural values of sport and an analysis of sports literature suggests that there is an interdependent relation ship between the social institution of sport and the dominant ideology in contempo rary society.