Conflict theorists would likely be sympathetic to the needs of which group?

• A. Sport Participants
• B. Sport Television Producers
• C. Sport Organizations
• D. Sport Team Owners

Answer: (A)

Conflict theory in sociology of sport looks at how power and resources are distributed unequally and how institutions reproduce those inequalities. In sport, those with economic and organizational power—owners, leagues, and media producers—shape rules and revenue to protect their interests. Participants, like athletes, often have less bargaining power and face precarious contracts and wage pressures. Because conflict theory centers on the experiences of the less powerful and the potential for collective action to improve their conditions, it would be most sympathetic to sport participants. The other groups usually hold the power within the system and benefit from the status quo, which conflict theory would critique rather than prioritize.