A reliable yet bold guide to the fascinating academic field of sport sociology

Johan Högman
Sport Science, Karlstad University

What is the purpose of the physical textbook today, when students have access to an endless supply of information, pedagogically delivered by AI, and increasingly tailored to individual needs? For while I myself undoubtedly enjoy some good sociological reading in the evenings, I am not the primary target audience—our dear students are. How will they use a book like this? That question lingers throughout the reading of Idrettssociologi and might find its answer once the book is finished and reflections have settled.

It is clear that the trio of authors, Norwegian professors Arve Hjelseth, Lone Friis Thing, and Anne Tjønndal, have taken on a delicate task: to condense Norwegian sports sociology into 240 pages. These pages are divided into 19 chapters, meaning there’s no room for lengthy digressions when addressing numerous sociological questions. The book is primarily aimed at a Norwegian readership of students, educators, and others interested in sports sociology, such as those within sports organizations or the public sector. Presumably, it is with this target audience in mind that the relatively concise and therefore accessible discussions have been crafted.

The authors describe the book as an update of a previous Norwegian sports sociology textbook by Jon Helge Lesjø from 2009. They justify its release by pointing to new sociologically relevant phenomena such as the COVID-19 pandemic, technological advancements, and climate change. Society evolves—and so does sport.

While it is straightforward to grasp the discussions on sport, understanding the authors’ take on sociology is less clear. Sociology is a slippery concept, and for students, it might be of interest to try to pin down what it actually entails.

The book’s 19 chapters are divided into three parts. Part 1, titled “Idrett og samfunn” (Sports and Society), serves as an in-depth introduction to the sociological dimensions of sport. To understand sport from a sociological perspective, the authors employ a broad definition of sport, thoroughly discussing the significance of boundary phenomena such as unorganized physical activities and e-sports. In this light, it becomes clear that understanding these activities is essential for comprehending how (more institutionalized) sports emerge—from interpersonal, exploratory, and playful activities to the structured forms most people associate with sport today, via a process of ‘sportification.’ This alone is a valuable contribution to understanding sport as a phenomenon and its role in society.

While it is straightforward to grasp the discussions on sport, understanding the authors’ take on sociology is less clear. Sociology is a slippery concept, and for students, it might be of interest to try to pin down what it actually entails. Reading the book as a whole naturally provides some guidance.

Part 1 also introduces three broad theoretical perspectives (functionalism, conflict theories, and interactionist theories) to help readers understand the relationship between sport and society. These theoretical frameworks are presented in a way that is both rewarding and foundational, providing a solid classical sociological grounding. Importantly, the authors make a significant effort to clarify what theoretical application can contribute. One reflection while reading this chapter, however, is that postmodern, postcolonial, and feminist theories are given relatively limited space—an omission some may argue is a missed opportunity for a sports sociology textbook in the 2020s.

Part 2 addresses power and inequality in sport. Across seven chapters of varying lengths, the book introduces perspectives on different bases for discrimination and exclusion, such as class, gender, racism, and even old age. The inclusion of age and generational relations—topics not commonly explored in sports sociology—is highly welcome. A childhood sociological perspective could also have been included here, considering the strong Nordic tradition in this field and the authors’ own observation that organized sports today are primarily an activity for children and youth.

Part 3 offers thought-provoking and entertaining reading for anyone who enjoys reflecting on sport’s complex relationship with broader society (and who doesn’t?!). This section is titled “Idrett i endring” (Sport in Change) which might be somewhat misleading, as it implies that the phenomena covered in previous chapters are more static. After all, everything flows, as ancient Greeks and postmodern thinkers would say. Perhaps the title is meant to signal a focus on more recent themes. This third section comprises eight chapters, focusing on sustainability, climate issues, digitalization, and commercialization. Several chapters in this section stand out as the book’s strongest, offering illuminating and compelling perspectives. Chapter 12, for instance, examines the intersection of late capitalism and sustainability and serves as a prime example of how the book provides accessible entry points into complex issues without succumbing to oversimplification. Similarly, Chapter 16 on commercialization processes within sports is highly valuable, offering essential insights into the likely trajectory of Norwegian (and Scandinavian) sports in the coming decades.

In comparison, other chapters in this section feel less essential. Chapters 13 and 14 discuss ‘new’ activities and ‘lifestyle sports’ as well as a form of body sociology focused on technology. These chapters alternate between thought-provoking insights and more speculative claims that risk being overlooked by students and other readers. One question that arose while reading Chapter 13, which addresses the intersection of sport, identity, and lifestyle, is why gym training is not discussed. Is there anything that symbolizes the hyper-individualized, late-modern society of today more than the dominance of gym training? While gyms are briefly addressed in Chapter 14, the connection between youth individualization and the consumer culture shaping their daily lives could have been more prominent in Chapter 13.

The concluding Chapter 19, on the future of sport, is engaging and offers well-needed and stimulating forward-looking reflections. A key aspect of sociology, particularly in our current context of ambivalence and disorientation, is understanding where we are headed. The authors refer to their insights as speculative, but I find they strike an excellent balance by presenting theoretically grounded predictions well-supported by empirical evidence. It can be challenging to avoid becoming political when evaluating future scenarios, but the authors excel at this, showing possible alternatives without veering into political bias.

This book will undoubtedly appeal to students interested in societal issues, particularly at the advanced level. Many parts are likely to provoke thoughts among doctoral candidates and educators as well. While written for a Norwegian audience, it is highly relevant for those working within the Swedish context. The book should serve as a foundational text for understanding sports sociology in university courses for years to come.

Considering its intended future use, I wonder if it would have been refreshing and valuable to include more recent theoretical perspectives. As it stands, much of the theoretical foundation is rooted in developments from the 1980s—a time before AI and today’s understanding of the climate crisis.

One consistently appreciated aspect of the book is its structure. The authors have done an excellent job of making complex discussions accessible. Most chapters follow a structure that begins with theoretical framing, then unpacks the main issues, and concludes with clear summaries, offering readers well-defined take-home messages.

Returning to the initial question about the role of the physical textbook amid the ongoing AI revolution: the physical book as a medium differs from AI conversations or quick internet searches. Should the book be read cover to cover as a cohesive narrative? Should it serve as a reference tool or as a collection of introductions for students exploring sports sociology in essays? Today, the physical textbook might be seen as a type of authentic human-made source of information—something stable to relate to in an otherwise fluid and artificial information landscape. It is neither the breadth nor depth of this book that stands out as its strength but the authors’ well-justified and deliberate choices of content, offering relevant perspectives on key sports sociology issues. In navigating a complex informational world, Idrettssociologi serves as a reliable yet bold guide for students and practitioners diving into the fascinating questions of sports sociology.

Copyright © Johan Högman 2025