ABSTRACT
Numerous scholars have written about the similarities and distinctions between the sub-disciplines of sport history and sport sociology. The comparative reviews between sport history and sport sociology have tended to produce knowledge that reinforces differences between the two fields and creates divisions. The ongoing construction of the wall is evident in several recent commentaries offering comparative readings of sport history and sociological history, particularly as evidenced by the critiques and counter critiques surrounding figurational theory. A range of scholars have analysed the interconnections and points of difference between sport history and sport sociology: their erudite critical reviews are informative and imperative reading. Despite the focus on differences, the comparative reviews should not be simply dismissed as narrowly acting to entrench irreconcilable difference between the fields. Indeed, rather than thinking that sport history and sport sociology are different sub-disciplines, this comparison encourages the view that they are simply differing ‘methods’ of the same form of research.
