The study of socialization in sport sociology has been heavily influenced by structural-functional perspectives. Recently, Ralph Turner proposed a theoretical framework, based on a "much-circumscribed functionalism," for integrating diverse and historically important approaches to the individual in society. This framework is proposed here as a point of departure for the integration and advancement of sport socialization analysis and research. After a brief review of recent contributions to the study of socialization in sport sociology and sociology in general, the major elements and insights of Turner's theoretical integration are discussed. From Turner's work and other recent theoretical contributions to the study of socializing processes in sport and society, it can be concluded that these processes should be conceptualized as ongoing and "recursive." Furthermore, it is proposed that to understand the relationship between the individual and society in socialization processes, it is necessary to understand how individuals contend, as active agents, with the social and cultural constraints of the immediate situations, enduring social structures, and larger sociocultural contexts in which they act and interact.
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