The macho world of sport — a forgotten realm? Some introductory remarks

Abstract

This article gives an introduction to the intentions of this special topical issue of IRSS and how far these intentions are realised. The insufficient theoretical discussion of masculinity in sport corresponds to the uncertainty of the male role in modern society in general. This is all the more regrettable, as sport is undoubtedly connected with gender identity, and the favourite sport in society is determined by masculine patterns. In the following contributions some central and corresponding aspects of sport as a male preserve and of masculinity are discussed. This article emphasizes rather the dark sides because usually both are glorified and it is postulated that only the integration of the overt and the hidden polarities can move sport and masculinity from their contemporary desolate status.