Process-figurational sociology and gender relations in sport management

In this chapter we outline how the principles of process-figurational sociology can facilitate a critical and theoretical approach to understanding gender relations in the diverse field of sport management. We highlight that while process-figurational sociology has been applied in areas of study related to sport management including sport policy and practice, organisation and structure of sport, sport tourism and marketing, none of these studies offer a direct and detailed analysis of gender relations and sport management. While there is existing research on gender, business and management taking a process-figurational theoretical approach this does not include sport, and the extensive research on gender and sport management does not draw on process-figurational sociology. In response to this we set out in this chapter how a process-figurational approach can provide a set of theoretical and conceptual resources for advancing knowledge about gender relations in sport management that may provide further critical scrutiny of and knowledge about issues of gender inequality and discrimination in the field.