Which theoretical perspective in sport sociology is most likely to critique power relations and advocate for structural change?

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

Answer: (D)

Power and how it operates within sport is the focus here. The critical perspective centers on exposing how institutions, ideologies, and practices in sport sustain domination and inequality, and it explicitly seeks to transform those structures toward emancipation and fairness. It asks not just to describe inequalities but to challenge and change the systems that create them, such as governance, access, representation, and policy in sport.

Functionalist views tend to emphasize stability and consensus, explaining how sport contributes to social order rather than critiquing power or pushing for broad reform. Conflict theory highlights competition over resources and can reveal power struggles, but it often analyzes how inequality arises without the same explicit, broad-based mandate for systemic transformation as the critical approach. Feminist theory focuses on gender inequalities and can advocate change, but it concentrates on gender and may not address other interlocking power structures as comprehensively as the critical perspective.