Mapping the Intersection: Global Trends in Sport, Gender, and Sociology Research

1. Introduction

The sociology of sports emerged in the late 19th century and as one of the sub-branches of sociology, it examines sports as a social phenomenon. This field studies the interactions between participants in sports, including athletes, coaches, fans, as well as the social structure of sports (Pashaie et al., 2022). A key area within this field is the study of the relationship between sport sociology and gender (Cooky, 2018; McGovern, 2024), highlighting the intricate ways in which sports both shape and are shaped by gender norms, identities, and power dynamics (Shaw & Frisby, 2006). where it is claimed that men, and not women, are inherently strong, aggressive, and competitive and, therefore, better suited to sports (English, 2017). This view provides a valuable perspective for analyzing broader societal dynamics (Cooky et al., 2015), including the ongoing gender and racial inequalities that are reflected in sports (Schaillée et al., 2021). Increasingly, sociological research acknowledges sport's role in both reinforcing and challenging gender norms, making this intersection a rich subject for scholarly investigation (Allison & Love, 2023; Anderson, 2011; Fink, 2015; Thorpe, 2009). Research at the intersection of sport, gender, and sociology allows us to examine the interactions of these three fields and gain a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities that exist in these fields.

Over the last decades, considerable progress has been made, predominately in developed Western countries, around gender equality in education, politics, and sports (Drakou et al., 2022). Understanding the interplay between sport and gender is crucial in illuminating the intricate gender relations that manifest across diverse cultural and social contexts (Elling-Machartzki, 2017). As global movements towards gender equality gain momentum (Belingheri et al., 2021; Hudson, 2009; Inglehart & Norris, 2003; Sotiriadou & De Haan, 2019), there is a growing necessity to explore how sports contribute to or challenge prevailing gender norms (Masajja & Annet, 2021). This exploration is not only academically significant but also has practical implications for policy-making, education, and the promotion of inclusive sports practices. Through a sociological lens, researchers can unravel the nuanced processes by which gender is constructed, contested, and negotiated within different societies (Harris, 2023; Leslie-Walker et al., 2024).

Recent scholarly efforts have explored various dimensions of this intersection, including the representation of women in sports media (McClearen, 2018; Pingpank & Garcia Palecia, 2024; Silbar, 2021), the experiences of LGBTQ+ athletes (Hartmann-Tews et al., 2022; Knowles, 2022; McCavanagh & Cadaret, 2022), women and leadership (Sotiriadou & De Haan, 2019), and the impact of sports on gender identity formation (Aitchison & Scraton, 2007; Allison & Knoester, 2021; Flores et al., 2020). Studies have highlighted the persistent gender disparities in sports participation (Doull et al., 2018; Hextrum et al., 2024; Tanni & Khan, 2024), leadership (Anggorowati et al., 2023; Chabaya et al., 2009; Masajja & Annet, 2021; Piggott & Tjønndal, 2024; Ridgeway, 2001), and media coverage (Chukwurah et al., 2022; Duncan, 2009; Vezzali et al., 2023; Yingnan & Guoliang, 2023), as well as the growing visibility of female athletes and the challenges they face in a male-dominated industry (Kane et al., 2013; Saldic, 2020; Walker & Bopp, 2011). Moreover, emerging themes such as the role of sports in promoting social inclusion (Karstensen et al., 2024) and the intersectionality of gender with race, class, and sexuality have gained scholarly attention, reflecting the evolving nature of this field (Carter-Francique & Flowers, 2013; Chu et al., 2023; McGovern, 2024; Norwood, 2019).

Despite the extensive body of research on sport and gender, there remains a critical need for a comprehensive analysis that maps the global trends and emerging themes in this area. This study aims to address this gap by conducting a bibliometric analysis of literature from the Web of Science (WoS). By addressing these objectives, the study seeks to provide valuable insights for scholars and practitioners, contributing to the ongoing dialogue on gender equity in sports and informing future scholarly and policy-oriented efforts. Standards about equal gender representation are normally set at all levels of governance and management. Nevertheless, the pace to reaching gender balance is rather slow (Drakou et al., 2022).

To achieve the goals of this research, the following questions have been posed: (1) Who are the leading scholars and institutions driving research in the area of sport sociology and gender? (2) What are the major global trends shaping sport sociology and gender studies? (3) What emerging themes and directions are gaining prominence within this field? Answering these questions will offer a thorough understanding of the current state of the discipline, identifying key contributors and spotlighting new developments. This analysis is essential for theoretical and practical advancement and providing researchers, policymakers and practitioners with the insights needed to navigate and succeed in the changing academic and societal landscape.

2. Research methodology

2.1. Data Collection

This analysis will identify leading contributors, global trends, and potential future research directions in the field of sport sociology and gender. Published papers were searched from a topic search in the WoS Core Collection in September 2024. WoS is a multidisciplinary database that indexes the most cited journals in their respective fields allowing the identification of citations received, references used and related records and also enabling the analysis of scientific production with the calculation of bibliometric indexes and the percentage of self-citations as well as the creation of rankings by numerous parameters (Ceretta et al., 2016). For this study, the search was limited to the "Title," "Abstract," and "Keywords" fields in WoS to include only relevant documents related to sport, sociology and gender. This study is a descriptive-analytical research project conducted using the bibliometric method. Our research methodology follows the mapping approach recommended by Aria and Chavarro et al. (2017), and further utilized by Kalia et al. (2022). The process consists of five stages: study design, data collection, data analysis, data visualization, and interpretation, as adapted from Zupic and Čater (2015). Figure 1 illustrates the methodology and phases of this study. The following search strategy was used: TS (topic search) and time span 1995 - 2024. The chosen keywords ensure a thorough search of relevant literature and highlight a broad range of studies on sport, sociology and gender. This strategy was designed to encompass a wide range of studies related to sport, sociology and gender related papers, ensuring the inclusion of relevant literature and comprehensive coverage of the field.

2.2. Search procedure

To sustain our bibliographic analysis, data from WOS was collected. The search encompasses title, abstract, author keywords, and keywords plus and focuses this combination: “Sociology” AND “Gender” AND “Sport”. Additionally, only articles and reviews were considered. All information published on WoS until the day of search, 06 September 2024, was considered. Hence, the database results in 168 articles from 1995–2024. The process to collecting data is depicted in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Research methodology stages, adapted from (Aria & Cuccurullo, 2017; Kalia et al., 2022)

2.3. Data Analysis

In the data analysis phase, we used an open source statistical software “R” together with “biblioshiny” (Kalia et al., 2022). The flexible bibliometrix package in R language effectively supports bibliometric analysis (Aria & Cuccurullo, 2017). In recent decades, bibliography has emerged as a crucial tool in scientific management and policy making (Roy & Basak, 2013). Bibliometric approaches are used in many studies worldwide in the fields of scientometrics and research trends analysis to study a particular research topic or special publication (Golmohammadi & Pashaie, 2024). The research strategy employed in bibliometric techniques helps researchers achieve their objectives by utilizing various strategies and methods. According to Niu et al. (2016), bibliometrics can employ quantitative, visual techniques, and statistical methods to identify patterns in scientific production, such as mapping research dynamics and fronts, consolidating ideas, and guiding future studies. Bibliometric methods are applicable across a broad range of research contexts (Merigó & Yang, 2017). Bibliometric analyses can predict and map research trajectories and reveal scholars' collaboration networks, illustrating knowledge and expertise flows and convergences (Van Eck & Waltman, 2014). Compared to meta-analyses and systematic literature reviews, it proves to be particularly useful when it comes to broad research areas and extensive data sets that are impractical for manual review (Donthu et al., 2021).

3. Results

3.1. Data description

3.1.1. Overview

Table 1 shows that between 1995 and 2024, a total of 168 documents were published from 79 different sources. The annual growth rate of these publications is 6.37%, and the average age of documents is 8.43 years. On average, each document received 22.85 citations, with a total of 8590 references cited. There are 359 "Keywords Plus (ID)" and 473 "Author's Keywords (DE)" used in these publications. A total of 284 authors contributed to the publications, with 78 authors having single-authored documents, resulting in 86 single-authored papers. On average, each document has 1.87 co-authors, and 12.5% of the publications involved international co-authorship. Out of the total, 163 are research articles, and 5 are review papers.

Table 1- Main information about data

Source: Authors’ own elaboration.

3.1.2. Annual Scientific Production

Figure 2 shows the trend of annual scientific production from 1995 to 2024. The horizontal axis shows the years and the vertical axis shows the number of published articles.

Figure 2. Annual Scientific Production

Source: Authors’ own elaboration.

As can be seen, from 1995 to about 2004, scientific production was relatively flat and low. After 2005, we see slow growth and then a significant increase in the number of articles, so that from 2010 onwards, fluctuations in the amount of scientific production are observed. The years 2015 and 2022 have the highest number of articles, but from 2022 to 2024 we see a significant decrease in the number of articles in our research topic.

3.2. Sources

3.2.1. Leading Publications

Figure 3, introduces 11 scientific journals that have published three or more articles related to the research topic.

Figure 3. Most Relevant Sources

Source: Authors’ own elaboration.

According to the results of Figure 3, International Review for the Sociology of Sport has the highest number of articles with 25 articles, followed by Sociology of Sport Journal with 21 articles. Sport Education and Society has published 11 articles. Some other journals such as European Journal for Sport and Society and Sport in Society have published six articles each. Journals such as Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, Journal of Sport & Social Issues and Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health have published four articles each, while Sociology Compass, Men and Masculinities and Quest have published three articles each. This distribution represents the key journals that have contributed to research in this area.

3.2.2. Sources' Local Impact

The findings of the analysis of table 2 show that the selected journals in the field of sports sociology and gender have significant scientific validity and influence. Sociology of Sport Journal and International Review for the Sociology of Sport have the highest rank with H indexes of 13 and 12, respectively, which indicates their key role in the development of studies in this field. These two journals are also known as the main and leading sources in sports sociology research with a high number of citations (816 and 435) and a long history of publication. Journals such as Sport Education and Society and Journal of Sport & Social Issues, Sociology Compass and Sport in Society with moderate H-indexes (7, 4, 4 and 4) and significant number of citations, show a stable impact on our research topic.

Journal analysis shows that publications in the field of sociology of sport and social studies of sport have significant diversity in terms of influence and citation index. Journals with a higher H index are known as reliable sources in this field due to the number of citations and play a key role in the development and expansion of research. On the other hand, journals with a lower H-index are also influential in their specific fields and can provide new opportunities for research and scientific articles. This distribution shows the importance of multidimensionality of research in this field and expansion of attention to different aspects of our research.

Table 2- Sources local impact

Source: Authors’ own elaboration.

3.2.3. Sources' Production over Time

The analysis of the graph (figure 4) shows that the six mentioned journals have had a growing trend in the production of articles related to research over time. The most productions are devoted to the journals Sociology of Sport Journal and International Review for the Sociology of Sport, whose article publication trend has increased steadily from the early 2000s to 2024. Other journals, including Qualitative Research in Sport Exercise and Health and Sport Education and Society, have shown significant growth in the last decade. This trend shows an increase of attention to the topics of sociology and social studies of sports in scientific journals.

Figure 4. Sources’ Production over Time

Source: Authors’ own elaboration.

3.3. Authors

3.3.1. Authors' Local Impact

The analysis of the findings of the table of active authors in the field of sports sociology and gender (table 3), shows that key authors such as Cooky C and Thorpe H with an H index of 3 and a high number of citations (228 and 310, respectively) have played a prominent role in the development of research in this field. Also, authors such as Liston K and Thing LF, despite having fewer citations than others, still had a significant impact with an H index of 3. These results show that the research related to gender and sports sociology has made significant progress due to these authors and they have played a role as effective people in the formation and expansion of this research field.

Table 3- Authors' Local Impact

Source: Authors’ own elaboration.

3.4. Affiliations and Countries

3.4.1. Most Relevant Affiliations

Based on the chart analysis (figure 5), Loughborough University and University of Copenhagen contributed the most in publishing articles related to research in the field of sociology of sport and gender, each with 6 articles. Also, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences and University of North Carolina and University System of Ohio have also been active in this field with a smaller number of articles (5 articles). Other universities such as University of Chester, University of Tennessee Knoxville, University of Tennessee System and University of Waikato are also seen with less participation in this field. These results show that some leading universities have acted as the main centers of knowledge production in this field.

Figure 5. Most Relevant Affiliations

Source: Authors’ own elaboration.

3.4.2. Corresponding Author's Countries

The review of countries publishing articles in our research area shows that the USA and the United Kingdom have the highest number of articles with 51 and 43 articles, which constitute 30.4% and 25.6% of the total articles, respectively. These two countries also have the largest share of international scientific collaborations and the number of articles with multi-country collaboration. Countries such as Norway, Canada, Australia, and Denmark with fewer articles (6 to 10 articles) have also been active in this field. It is noteworthy that countries such as Australia and New Zealand have published a high percentage of their articles with international collaboration (33.3% respectively). The findings (table 4, and figure 6) show that the United States and the United Kingdom act as the main hubs of research in this area, while other countries have also played a significant role in international collaboration (table 4, and figure 7).

Table 4- International Cooperation among Countries

Source: Authors’ own elaboration.

Note: MCP-Multiple country publications; SCP-Single country publications.

Figure 6. Index of collaboration between countries (≥2). Note: MCP-Multiple country publications; SCP-Single country publications.

Source: Authors’ own elaboration.

Figure 7. Country Collaboration Map

Source: Authors’ own elaboration.

3.4.4. Most Global Cited Documents

Table 5- Top Globally Cited Research Papers: Detailed Citation Metrics

Source: Authors’ own elaboration.

According to the table 5, review of 10 articles with the highest number of citations shows that the article of Coakley (2011) in the Journal of Sport & Social Issues with 381 citations and annual citation number of 27.21 has had the greatest impact in this field. Other articles like those shown in Table 6, with more than 90 citations and a high number of annual citations, have played a prominent role in advancing research related to sports sociology and gender. These articles are known as key sources and references for researchers in this field and have had a significant impact on the development of subsequent studies (Brown, 2005; Ezzell, 2009; Maguire & Mansfield, 1998; Musto et al., 2017; O’Neill, 2015; Pringle & Markula, 2005; Shilling, 2004; Thorpe, 2009, 2010).

3.5. Most important keywords

3.5.1. Keywords Plus

Keywords Plus is an effective tool in bibliometric analysis that aids in identifying and extracting additional keywords from scientific articles (Cantos‐Mateos et al., 2012; Li et al., 2009; Tomaszewski, 2023), despite the limited research evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of Keywords Plus (Zhang et al., 2016). These keywords enable researchers to better understand research patterns and scientific trends, as well as to identify connections between different fields (Golmohammadi et al., 2024). Therefore, the Word Cloud of Keywords Plus provides a snapshot of the key themes and areas of focus within the literature, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of research on sociology, gender and sports.

Figure 8. Word Cloud of Keywords Plus

Source: Authors’ own elaboration.

According to Figure 8, keywords such as “body,” “women,” “girls,” and “masculinity” are frequently mentioned, appearing between 10 and 19 times. This repetition underscores a comprehensive examination of gender identities and roles within the context of sports. The inclusion of both female and male perspectives demonstrates a balanced approach to discussing gender dynamics. Additionally, terms like “health,” “hegemonic masculinity,” “media,” and “participation” occur 8 to 9 times in the analyzed texts, indicating that the research addresses broader sociocultural issues and identities. These terms highlight that the literature not only focuses on gender but also explores its intersections with media representation, health, and social inclusion. The most prominent terms, including “sport,” “gender,” and “sociology,” each appear over 40 times, emphasizing their central importance to the research. These terms form the core of scholarly inquiry, laying the groundwork for studies that investigate the intersections of these fields. Furthermore, terms such as “race,” “culture,” and “physical activity” illustrate the interdisciplinary nature of the field, where gender studies converge with race, cultural practices, and physical engagement in sports.

3.6. Three-Field Plot

The Three-Field Plot in Figure 9 visually maps the relationships between “authors,” “countries,” and “keywords” in the research on gender, sports, and sociology, providing a detailed view of how scholarly contributions are distributed across these three key dimensions. In the center field, the plot highlights leading researchers who are making significant contributions to the intersection of sports and gender studies. Prominent authors such as “Cooky C,” “Thorpe H,” and others are linked to specific countries and research themes, playing a crucial role in shaping the current research landscape. The left field connects various countries where this research is being conducted, including the “United Kingdom (UK),” “United States (USA),” “New Zealand,” “Australia,” “Denmark,” “Canada” and “Norway.” These nations serve as major hubs of academic activity, generating substantial contributions to gender and sports research, and their connections to both authors and keywords underscore their importance in fostering international collaboration in this area. The right field displays frequently occurring research themes and keywords such as “sport,” “girl,” “gender,” “sociology,” “body,” “women,” and “hegemonic masculinity,” illustrating the core focus of research within the field. The linkages between specific keywords and the corresponding countries or authors provide valuable insights into the thematic focus of different regions and scholars. Overall, the Three-Field Plot effectively visualizes the intricate relationships between key contributors (authors), geographical regions (countries), and thematic areas (keywords), offering a comprehensive understanding of how global research on gender and sports is structured.

Figure 9. Three-Field Plot

Source: Authors’ own elaboration.

• Thematic Map

Thematic maps in bibliometric analysis are crucial tools that visually depict relationships and patterns within scholarly literature. They facilitate the visualization of research landscapes, enabling researchers and policymakers to identify emerging trends, gaps, and areas of concentrated activity (Casadei et al., 2023). By highlighting clusters of related topics, thematic maps aid in recognizing key areas of focus and potential collaboration opportunities (Galeano-Barrera et al., 2022). Additionally, the insights derived from these maps support strategic decision-making regarding funding, resource allocation, and research priorities. Overall, thematic mapping analysis divides the research landscape into four quadrants: Motor Themes, Basic Themes, Emerging or Declining Themes, and Niche Themes. The upcoming sub-sections main goal is to elaborate more closely on the current state in the respective field and to pinpoint feature research prospects for the future (Kalia et al., 2022).

Figure 10. Thematic mapping analysis

Source: Authors’ own elaboration.

The size of the circles represents the number of published documents on each topic. The upper right quadrant (Q1) includes motor themes, which are well-developed and crucial for shaping the research field, representing consolidated themes. The upper left quadrant (Q2) contains highly specialized (niche) themes that are well-developed but relatively isolated with limited impact on the field. The lower left quadrant (Q3) features emerging or declining themes that are underdeveloped and marginal. Lastly, the lower right quadrant (Q4) encompasses basic themes that are essential and broadly relevant across different research areas (Cantorani & Oliveira, 2024). These quadrants (see Figure 10) provide a framework for assessing the current state of research at the intersection of sports, gender, and sociology:

In the upper-right quadrant, known as the Motor Themes, we find concepts that are well-developed and central to the field, such as “sport,” “gender,” and “sociology.” These themes reflect a strong and active presence in research, making them essential for the scientific community and indicating a high impact on discipline.

In the lower-right quadrant, termed Basic Themes, we encounter foundational concepts like “history,” “self,” and “gender verification.” While these themes are crucial for supporting other areas of research, they are less developed and less prominent in contemporary studies.

The upper-left quadrant features Niche Themes, which are specialized and often isolated, such as “leadership” and “people”. Although these themes are well-developed, they tend to be less relevant to mainstream research, focusing on unique cultural or contextual studies of gender and sports sociology.

Finally, the lower-left quadrant encompasses Emerging or Declining Themes, which include concepts that are either gaining traction or losing relevance, such as “ethnicity”. These themes often represent innovative ideas or outdated notions. Identifying these themes is essential for guiding future research development and understanding shifts in focus over time. Overall, this quadrant analysis offers valuable insights into the dynamics of research within this interdisciplinary field.

3.8. Co-occurrence Network

Figure 11 illustrates the temporal evolution of disciplinary co-occurrence networks between 1995 and 2024 years. The size of each node is proportionate to its degree and the thickness of the links represents the tie strength (Liu & Mei, 2016). In this visual, each concept (node) is represented by a circle, and the size of the node indicates its frequency of appearance in the analyzed literature. The connections (edges) between nodes represent the co-occurrence of these concepts within the same research articles, with thicker lines signifying stronger or more frequent connections.

Figure 11. Co-occurrence Network

Source: Authors’ own elaboration.

The co-occurrence network depicted in Figure 11 illustrates the relationships between key concepts in the research on gender, sports, and sociology. Central Nodes, such as “gender,” “sports,” and “sociology,” occupy prominent positions within the network. These large, highly interconnected nodes emphasize their fundamental role as the core of this research area. The strong co-occurrence of these concepts with other themes highlights their importance as foundational elements in the field.

In contrast, Peripheral Nodes represent more specific or niche topics, including “hegemonic masculinity,” “women,” and “physical activity.” Although these concepts are less frequently mentioned, they still provide valuable insights into understanding gender dynamics in sports. The presence of these smaller nodes illustrates how specialized topics integrate into the broader landscape of sociological and gender research.

The Strong Connections within the network are represented by thick edges linking “gender,” “sport,” and “sociology,” indicating their frequent co-occurrence and reflecting the interconnectedness of these areas. Additionally, notable connections involving terms like “body,” “media,” and “participation” suggest critical subtopics related to representation, identity, and access within the realm of sports.

4. Discussion

The bibliometric analysis conducted in this study presents an in-depth examination of the existing landscape surrounding sport sociology and gender research, effectively tackling the initial research questions. By pinpointing influential scholars, prominent institutions, global trends, and new themes, this analysis delivers valuable insights into the field, reinforcing and building upon previous studies in this domain.

4.1. Leading Scholars and Institutions in Sport Sociology and Gender

The recognition of prominent scholars like Cooky, Liston, Thing and Thorpe along with institutions such as Loughborough University and the University of Copenhagen, supports earlier research that emphasizes the influence of Western academic centers in the field of sport sociology and gender (Antunovic & Cooky, 2025; Cooky, 2018; Drakou et al., 2022; Liston, 2007, 2013; Thing, 2024; Thorpe, 2010). Moreover, sociologists have paid attention to the impact of sports in gender studies (Allison & Love, 2023; Washington & Karen, 2001). For example, Agnes Elling is one of the most prolific and influential researchers in understanding gender inequalities in sport (Elling, 2015). This observation upholds the perspective that much of the scholarly work in this area originates from established institutions in developed nations (Rezaeepasha et al., 2023; Shaw & Frisby, 2006). Also, European institutions published several reports between 2019 and 2022 that addressed gender representation in sports media (Antunovic & Cooky, 2024). This focus allows for wide-ranging studies that significantly influence global debates about sport and gender. However, this focus may overlook the diverse experiences and perspectives found in developing countries, highlighting the need for a more inclusive approach to capture a wider range of insights. Nevertheless, the findings also highlight an increase in international collaboration, with countries like New Zealand and Australia playing a significant role in producing co-authored research. This trend underscores the global dimension of gender research in sports, as pointed out by Belingheri et al. (2021), indicating that movements for gender equality have fostered transnational academic networks (Peppin Vaughan, 2019).

4.2. Predominant Global Trends in Sport Sociology and Gender Research

The bibliometric analysis revealed several key trends that reflect global shifts in sport sociology (Wilson, 2007) and gender studies (Bandya et al., 2012). For example, Liu and Zhang (2021) believes that the research process of sociology of sport in the world is very important for the research process of sociology of sport in China. Topics such as women's roles in sports leadership (Liston, 2021, 2022), gender imbalances in media coverage (Liston & O’Connor, 2020; Thorpe et al., 2017), and the experiences of LGBTQ+ athletes (Hartmann-Tews et al., 2022; Sotiriadou & De Haan, 2019) align with the increasing focus on gender equity across various social spheres (Belingheri et al., 2021; Hudson, 2009; Inglehart & Norris, 2003; Sotiriadou & De Haan, 2019). The analysis showed that terms like “hegemonic masculinity (Antunovic & Cooky, 2025; Grindstaff & West, 2011; Thorpe, 2010)” and “participation (Nicholson et al., 2011)” are frequently cited, highlighting the persistent focus on how traditional gender norms are both perpetuated and challenged within sports settings. This is consistent with the ongoing discussion in the literature regarding the ways in which sports continue to be a battleground for gender identity and power relations (English, 2017; Kane et al., 2013).

Despite the apparent affinity between gender in sports fields and the theoretical and methodological orientations of the field of sociology of gender, sports research studies have been marginalized in most cases (Cooky, 2018). Moreover, the observed upward trajectory in scholarly output from 2010 to 2024 suggests an intensification of interest in these topics, particularly as global sports events such as the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Olympics serve as critical junctures for examining gender dynamics (Vezzali et al., 2023). However, the recent decline in publications from 2022 onwards may indicate a plateau in research growth, calling for renewed focus on under-explored areas, such as the intersection of race, class, and gender in sports (Norwood, 2019).

4.3. Emerging Directions and Themes in Sport Sociology and Gender

The thematic mapping of research on sport sociology and gender highlighted several emerging directions. Central themes such as “sport,” “gender,” and “sociology” were unsurprisingly dominant, but niche and emerging topics, such as gender verification in sports and the role of sports in promoting social inclusion, are gaining scholarly attention (Karstensen et al., 2024). This aligns with the evolving nature of gender studies, where intersectionality has become increasingly important in understanding the complex experiences of athletes (Carter-Francique & Flowers, 2013).

Furthermore, the emergence of concepts like "body" and "health " in relation to gender points to a growing interest in the physical and psychological well-being of athletes (Thorpe et al., 2023), particularly in marginalized groups (Flores et al., 2020). These findings suggest that future research may continue to explore how sports serve as a site for both the reinforcement and disruption of traditional gender norms, with an increasing focus on inclusivity and well-being.

4.4. Comparative Insights and Future Directions

While previous research has thoroughly examined the challenges women face in sports, particularly in leadership roles and media portrayal (Fink, 2015; Walker & Bopp, 2011), this study highlights a subtle shift toward more intersectional approaches. The growing focus on LGBTQ+ issues, alongside continued critiques of hegemonic masculinity, indicates that future research is likely to explore the intersections of gender with other identity markers, such as race and sexual orientation (McGovern, 2024).

Additionally, the rising trend of international collaboration, especially from non-Western countries, signals an increasing diversity of perspectives in gender and sport studies. This development creates new possibilities for comparative research across different cultural contexts.

5. Practical implications

The findings of this study present significant practical implications for scholars, policymakers, sports organizations, and advocates working towards gender equity in sports. By mapping leading contributors and emerging trends in sport sociology and gender research, the study offers actionable insights that can enhance inclusive practices and policies in the sporting world. First, addressing the persistent gender disparities in leadership positions within sports organizations calls for targeted interventions to boost female representation in decision-making roles, with an emphasis on implementing gender equity policies and providing mentorship opportunities for women. Second, the study highlights the need for equitable media practices to enhance the visibility of female athletes and challenge traditional gender stereotypes, encouraging media outlets to provide balanced coverage that showcases women’s achievements. Third, creating safe and inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ athletes are crucial, necessitating the development of anti-discrimination policies and educational programs on inclusion. Additionally, as intersectionality gains prominence, policymakers and practitioners should adopt tailored strategies that address the diverse experiences of athletes across race, class, and gender lines. The study also emphasizes the potential of sports to promote social inclusion, advocating for the creation of inclusive spaces that prioritize access for marginalized communities, including women and ethnic minorities. Finally, the insights derived from this research can inform the development of gender-equity policies at both national and international levels, ensuring that inclusivity is embedded in sports governance and funding frameworks. In conclusion, the practical implications of this study provide a roadmap for sports organizations, media, policymakers, and advocacy groups to actively promote gender equity and inclusivity in sports. By addressing the identified disparities and fostering a more inclusive sporting environment, stakeholders can contribute to lasting social change, ensuring that sports serve as a platform for empowerment and equality for all athletes.

6. Limitations and future research

While this study provides valuable insights into the current state and trends in sport sociology and gender research, it is important to acknowledge several limitations that suggest significant avenues for future research.

Limitations include the scope of data collection, as the study relied solely on the Web of Science (WoS) database for bibliometric analysis. While WoS is a reputable academic resource, it may not encompass all relevant publications, particularly those from non-Western countries or in non-English languages, potentially leading to an incomplete view of global contributions. Furthermore, the reliance on bibliometric methods means that while trends and key contributors are identified quantitatively, important contextual nuances, such as societal impacts and the lived experiences of athletes, may not be fully captured. Future studies could benefit from integrating qualitative research methods to provide a more comprehensive understanding.

Future research directions should include exploring non-Western and underrepresented regions to create a more geographically and culturally diverse set of publications. Expanding data collection to include non-English databases or lesser-represented academic repositories could enhance understanding of global contributions and reveal unique gender dynamics in sports in non-Western contexts. Additionally, there is a need to investigate digital and technological impacts on gender and sports, focusing on how digital platforms influence gender representation and activism. Research should also delve into intersectionality and the lived experiences of athletes, capturing the experiences of those navigating multiple identities, which can provide insights into access to opportunities and experiences of discrimination. Evaluating the impact of policy and advocacy is another crucial area, as understanding the effectiveness of gender equity programs across various sporting organizations can inform future initiatives. Lastly, studies should investigate the role of emerging movements and social change, such as #MeToo and LGBTQ+ advocacy, in reshaping the sports landscape and their implications for achieving gender equity.

In conclusion, while this study lays a foundational understanding of key trends and contributors in sport sociology and gender research, there are significant opportunities for future research to broaden and deepen our understanding. Addressing these limitations and exploring new directions will be essential for advancing knowledge and informing effective policies and practices that promote inclusivity and gender equity in sports worldwide.

7. Conclusion

This study has shed light on the dynamic and evolving field of sport sociology and gender research, offering a critical analysis of its key contributors, global trends, and emerging themes. Trends suggest that the future of sport sociology and gender studies will be marked by interdisciplinary perspectives that consider the intersections of gender, race, class, and sexuality. This study not only provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of sport sociology and gender research but also establishes a foundation for future exploration. By building on the insights derived from this study, both scholars and practitioners can help shape a more inclusive and equitable sporting environment, ensuring that sports continue to act as a catalyst for positive social change.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work. 

Funding

This work was supported only by the authors.

Declaration of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process

During the preparation of this work the authors used ChatGPT, and Grammarly in order to improve language and readability of certain parts of the article.