The sociology of sport in Latin America

an analysis based on the proceedings of ALESDE congresses post covid-19

Abstract

This study is based on the understanding that the sociology of sport, although grounded in sociology, encompasses research across several disciplines within the Human and Social Sciences. Furthermore, it recognizes scientific and academic conferences as important venues for the dissemination of knowledge produced by the scientific community. Accordingly, this study aims to analyze the publications presented at the VIII and IX ALESDE Congresses, as made available through the proceedings of these events. To this end, a bibliographic study was conducted based on the assumptions of bibliometric research. The findings identified a total of 230 documents, published in Portuguese and Spanish, predominantly developed through collaborative authorship. Regarding the themes identified from the keywords provided by the authors, although some studies focused on the window of opportunity created by the 2020 pandemic crisis, the publications generally not only reflect the academic interests identified in previous surveys but also reveal the regional interests that shape the Latin American research agenda in the sociology of sport. It is concluded that the ALESDE Congresses constitute an important forum for academic debate in the sociology of sport within the region. Moreover, they play a significant role in disseminating research interests and serve as a platform through which Global South scholars contribute their perspectives to the international scientific community.