Which of the following theories used in sport sociology is more likely to defend the status quo rather than propose changes?

• A. Feminist
• B. Conflict
• C. Functionalist
• D. Critical

Answer: (C)

Whether a sport sociological theory defends the existing social order or pushes for change is what this item is about. The functionalist view treats sport as a mechanism that maintains social stability, cohesion, and shared norms. It emphasizes how sport mirrors and legitimizes current social arrangements, rewarding merit and upholding roles and hierarchies in a way that preserves continuity. Because of this focus on balance and the preservation of social structures, functionalism tends to justify the status quo rather than advocate for sweeping transformation.

In contrast, feminist, conflict, and critical theories foreground unequal power relations and critique underlying structures. Feminism highlights gendered inequality and pushes for changes in sport and society; conflict theory emphasizes how power and resources are distributed unfairly and seeks to challenge those distributions; critical theory interrogates ideology to promote emancipation from domination. These perspectives are more oriented toward critique and reform, not defense of the existing order.

So the functionalist perspective is the one most likely to defend the status quo.