Politics and Sports in America
Parallels and Intersections
1st Edition
Published on 20. April 2026
Book
Hardback
224 pages
978-1-041-26257-2 (ISBN)
Description
Politics and Sports in America offers a fresh perspective on the dynamic relationship between athletics and political life in the United States. While recent scholarship has focused on the rise of athlete activism, few political scientists have examined sports through a distinctly American lens. Most existing studies emphasize international contexts.
Thomas R. Morris and Daniel J. Palazzolo address this gap by examining the intersections of sports and politics across multiple dimensions: citizenship and civic identity, the balance between national and local forces, the role of elite athletes in advancing democratic principles such as equality and liberty, the tension between individualism and collective action, and the striking parallels between rival sports teams and polarized political parties. They also explore how politicians intentionally engage with sports through policy decisions and symbolic gestures. Taken together, these perspectives reveal how the relationship between sports and politics enriches our understanding of the American republic and its democratic traditions.
Designed for scholars and instructors, this book provides a political science framework for analyzing sports as a source of civic and institutional development. It also serves as a resource for teaching American government, offering innovative ways to connect political institutions, processes, and debates to the world of athletics. Beyond academia, the work speaks to sports fans who follow politics and citizens who follow sports, inviting both groups to see how these spheres illuminate one another."
Thomas R. Morris and Daniel J. Palazzolo address this gap by examining the intersections of sports and politics across multiple dimensions: citizenship and civic identity, the balance between national and local forces, the role of elite athletes in advancing democratic principles such as equality and liberty, the tension between individualism and collective action, and the striking parallels between rival sports teams and polarized political parties. They also explore how politicians intentionally engage with sports through policy decisions and symbolic gestures. Taken together, these perspectives reveal how the relationship between sports and politics enriches our understanding of the American republic and its democratic traditions.
Designed for scholars and instructors, this book provides a political science framework for analyzing sports as a source of civic and institutional development. It also serves as a resource for teaching American government, offering innovative ways to connect political institutions, processes, and debates to the world of athletics. Beyond academia, the work speaks to sports fans who follow politics and citizens who follow sports, inviting both groups to see how these spheres illuminate one another."
Reviews / Votes
As the old saying goes, politics is the only sport for adults. But this superb, well-researched, insightful book proves something very different-that sports and politics go hand in hand, drawing from a similar clientele and teaching the vital lessons of civilization in ways that reinforce democracy.Larry Sabato, Professor of Politics and Director of the Center for Politics, University of Virginia
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Postgraduate and Undergraduate Advanced
Product notice
sewn/stitched
Cloth over boards
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Weight
476 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-041-26257-2 (9781041262572)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
04/2026
Taylor & Francis
€60.99
Available for download
E-Book
04/2026
Taylor & Francis
€60.99
Available for download
Persons
Thomas R. Morris is a retired Professor of Political Science from the University of Richmond. He was President of Emory & Henry University and Secretary of Education under Virginia Governor Tim Kaine. His publications include books on the Virginia Supreme Court and on Virginia government, as well as chapters and articles on legislative redistricting, the Voting Rights Act, and gubernatorial leadership.
Daniel J. Palazzolo is a Professor of Political Science and co-Director of the Gary L. McDowell Institute at the University of Richmond. He is author of two books, co-editor of a book and author or co-author of numerous articles or chapters on congressional leadership, congressional budgeting, election reform, and Virginia politics. He is also a former American Political Science Congressional Fellow, where he handled budget issues for Congressman Robert L. Erhlich (R-MD).
Daniel J. Palazzolo is a Professor of Political Science and co-Director of the Gary L. McDowell Institute at the University of Richmond. He is author of two books, co-editor of a book and author or co-author of numerous articles or chapters on congressional leadership, congressional budgeting, election reform, and Virginia politics. He is also a former American Political Science Congressional Fellow, where he handled budget issues for Congressman Robert L. Erhlich (R-MD).
Content
1. Introduction 2. What Happened to the "Sporting Republic?" 3. The Shifting Balance of Local and National Sports and Politics 4. Athlete Activism and American Ideals 5. Equality and Competition in Women's Sports 6. Individualism and Teamwork 7. Rival Sports Teams and Polarized Political Parties 8. Sporting Politics 9. Conclusion