‘What can a Latin American country offer?’: An analysis of publications on the sociology of sport in Colombia

Abstract

The sociology of sport in Latin America, including Colombia, is still in its developmental stage and faces challenges in establishing itself. This study aims to examine the characteristics of publications on the sociology of sport featured in sociology and physical education journals in Colombia. We investigate publication frequency, sports modalities, topics addressed, and references used in the articles to outline the contours of the sub-discipline in the country. Drawing on methodological procedures from content analysis, our findings indicate that football is the most researched sport, while gender issues, identity, and violence emerge as the most recurrent topics. Furthermore, the most frequently cited references are from foreign scholars, revealing a low level of local theoretical autonomy. The study highlights the need for greater diversification of research objects and themes, as well as the strengthening of both theoretical production and the institution created in Colombia, to consolidate the sociology of sport in the country.