Social Theory, Sport, Leisure

This is the best introduction to understanding sport and leisure sociologically for foundation year undergraduates, from the sociologist who established the field of leisure studies. John Horne, Professor of Sport and Sociology, University of Central Lancashire, UK This book makes an enormous contribution to the study of sport and leisure. In his thoughtful, reflective and thorough way, Ken Roberts opens a door for a range of new studies by offering a profound examination of sociological theories and their contribution to these fields. Scholars and students will no doubt treasure this book in their reflection on and inquiry into current issues. Prof. Atara Sivan, Associate Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences & Professor, Department of Education Studies, Hong Kong Baptist University This is an outstanding and crucial book for any students wanting to understand sport and leisure through the lens of sociological theory. Roberts writes in a clear and engaging style, showing the reader exactly how different theories and theorists can be used to make sense of sport and leisure. Karl Spracklen, Professor of Leisure Studies, Head of the Research Centre for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Leeds Beckett University For those of us whose background in sociology is limited, Ken Roberts has produced an invaluable resource. He offers a concise review of the seminal lines of sociological thought, which facilitates easy access to them; shows how they interrelate; and offers insights on how each of them have been, and potentially could, enhance our understanding of leisure behavior. It is relentlessly positive in perspective, emphasizing the potential contributions of each of the lines of thought, and resisting the temptation to promote some at the expense of others. When I entered this field in the late 1960s, Ken Roberts was one of the small number of academics who were pioneering the study of leisure. I can think of nobody else in the field who is as well-equipped to produce this resource. It is written in his usual lucid prose in a highly readable style. In my view, it is an instant classic in the field and will be as relevant in 20 years time as it is today. John Crompton, University Distinguished Professor, Regents Professor, and Presidential Professor for Teaching Excellence, Texas A&M University, USA