Consistent with Lenski's theory of status crystallization, a pilot study shows that athletes have comparatively low status crystallization; moreover, those with high levels of performance crystallize even lower. Obviously, sport and high sport performance compensate for status inconsistency. Contrary to Lenski, low-crystallized individuals try to gain influence in their groups and clubs, while the high-crystallized show more general social contacts and enjoy higher prestige. Athletes make criticisms of the existing social class system, particularly among those with low status crystallization. This results in a weakening of class crystallization, and it may suggest that, through sport, social integration beyond social classes is possible.
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