Premium
Some kids are left behind: The failure of a perspective, using critical race theory to expand the coverage in the sociology of youth sports
Author(s) -
Brooks Scott N.,
Knudtson Matt,
Smith Isais
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
sociology compass
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 31
ISSN - 1751-9020
DOI - 10.1111/soc4.12445
Subject(s) - sociology , race (biology) , perspective (graphical) , racism , athletes , identity (music) , gender studies , sociology of sport , sociological imagination , critical race theory , critical theory , social science , epistemology , aesthetics , medicine , artificial intelligence , computer science , physical therapy , philosophy
Sports are no longer simply extracurricular activities. For many children, sports are curricular, central to their identity, development, and peer and familial relationships. However, sport scholars and sociologists spend little time trying to learn and understand the huge growth in youth sports participation and even less attention to the role of race in youth sports. Sociology could offer much more, but suffers from what James McKee calls ([McKee, J. B., 1993]) “the failure of a perspective” with regard to studying and understanding race, racism, and race relations. Critical Race Theory can help to extend the coverage of youth sports to include more input from Youth and of Scholars of Color. In this article, we review a current debate in the sociology of youth sports, which illustrates the gap in understanding the experiences of youth of color and Black athletes in particular. And, we provide solutions and ideas for future research.