This study examines the distribution of individual and team sports in the Olympics. Both types of sports contain important differences in instrumental and expressive behaviors for participants and cultural meanings for spectators. Data underscore a predominance of individual sports; six social forces explain this preference. A classification of team sports is created based on the dimensions of specialization, interdependence, and face-to-face competition. A proposal to increase the number of Olympic team sports is defended as a way to increase international understanding.
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