This anthology is an introduction to the sociocultural study of sport for those in physical education, sociology, anthropology, or any other study of human behavior in the social process. Part I provides a cultural framework, a series of definitions, and some understandings of the cultural setting of sport in American society as an orientation to the subsequent topics discussed. Social systems and people in American sport are considered in the second part. Several theories and models for analyzing sport are presented. Some of the many directions that sport can take because of political views and demands are explored. The economics of sports is discussed with regard to promoters and taxpayers in the superstadium game, the tennis industry, the sporting goods market, and prize money for women athletes. Education is viewed broadly in terms of physical education programs to encourage sociocultural change, the Olympics and their educational ideas, and Title IX. Women in sport are discussed in a perspective that illustrates the cultural situation. The final section gives specific attention to several ethnic groups, including the black athlete. (MM)