Sport

Sport consists of the physical and cultural elements of active movement. Physical elements of sport include varied activities and competition that require some degree of skill and physicality. Cultural elements include the production and circulation of meanings associated with participating and consuming sport. Sporting practices can be informal and formal, ranging from pickup sport games in local parks to participation in elite competitive leagues. Sport as a part of children’s culture has traditionally been under-studied within the disciplines of both childhood studies and sport studies. Furthermore, sport is also often tied to the physical activity, rather than its cultural aspects. This entry explains the roles of children and youth as both athletes as well as cultural producers and consumers of sport. As the entry illustrates, ...