The Evolution, Experience and Path of Historical Sociology in Sports Studies

With the advancement of interdisciplinary collaboration and integration, sports studies have transcended the boundaries of traditional disciplines in terms of their theoretical orientation. The emergence of historical sociology has progressively dismantled these disciplinary boundaries, facilitating a continuous blending of theory and empirical evidence, as well as narrative and analysis within the realm of sports research. This comprehensive study systematically reviews the evolution of historical sociology and its unfolding significance within sports studies through various methodologies, including an extensive examination of relevant literature and logical analysis. It distills valuable experiences and illuminates potential pathways. The analysis reveals that historical sociology,originally rooted in classical sociology, underwent a period of theoretical upheaval post-World War II and eventually entered the mainstream academic discourse in the 1970s and 1980s. Its development within Western sports research can be delineated into three distinctive stages: the phase of attention, the phase of expansion, and ultimately the phase of maturity, yielding three crucial insights:the imperative to clarify value-based concepts, the need to comprehend the intricate interplay between theory and evidence, and the formulation of practical, real-world strategies. The paper posits that two specific routes facilitate the transformation of historical sociology within sports research: theoretical-driven explorations of sports culture and methodology-driven investigations into sports structure construction. Indeed, the application of historical sociology in Chinese sports studies is in its nascent stage, exhibiting characteristics of fragmentation, continuity, and integration. As discipline construction of philosophy and social sciences in sports advances, historical sociology brings forth new prospects to the field. In terms of research methodologies, historical sociology prioritizes narrative integration; in terms of research themes, it underscores a focus on Chinese sports-related topics; and concerning research frameworks, it advocates for grounding research in localized theories.