In its second edition, this book takes a fresh approach to the study of sports, presenting key concepts such as socialization, economics, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, politics, the media and the role of sport in society. The authors offer a critical examination of sport but highlight also its many positive aspects. Each chapter concludes with a popular culture section, showing how films, television, video games, music and short stories have contributed to our understanding of sports' significance to our lives.

Other features include up-to-date information - such as statistics on player and owner salaries - and a look at recent controversies in sports, such as performance-enhancing drugs, domestic violence, online gambling and the growing concern over concussions and post-career health problems. The value of sports for people with physical disabilities and special needs is discussed, as well as the development of sports studies programs and the continuing importance of ""sportsmanship."" The final chapter explores how social media, as well as new forms of virtual reality and the prevalence of video gaming, are reshaping the concept of what constitutes sports.