Sports Within the Black Subculture: A Matter of Social Class or a Distinctive Subculture?

Abstract

This research compares the relative prominence of sports within the black and white subcultures. The focus is on variability among individuals in sports involvement as operationally defined by a seven- item index of passive sports participation. The data derive from a national probability survey conducted by Research Forecasting Incorporated for the Miller Brewing Company. Based on multiple regression, analysis of variance, and analysis of covariance, the greater extent of sports involvement among blacks remained evident after controlling for age, education, income, and size of city. We interpret these findings as reflective of a distinctive subculture as contrasted with a “culture of poverty” phenomenon as discussed by Rudman (1986) in his study of the sports mystique within the black subculture. © 1990, SAGE PUBLICATIONS. All rights reserved.