Notes On Entry Routes Into a Sport/Recreational Role: The Case of Sailing

Abstract

Interest and participation in sailing, a sport/recreational activity historically associated with the upper class, is on the rise, especially among newcomers from middle class backgrounds. Starting with an explanation for this rise, the article continues by raising sociological questions concerning the problems of attracting and socializing these newcomers to the world of sailing. Ideal type descrip tions of entry routes into sailing are presented along with the implications for newcomers and for sailing itself.