Mierzwinski, Mark ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9751-5865 and Velija, Philippa ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7689-4803 (2025) A figurational analysis of the growth of commercialised sports for under five-year-olds: Critical Perspectives. In: Families, Pre-School Sport, and Physical Activity. London, Routledge, pp. 30-44

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Abstract

This chapter provides a sociological analysis of how and why children under five years of age are becoming increasingly involved in commercialised sporting activities. Here, commercialised sporting activities are defined as private companies marketed at the under-fives which charge a fee, for example, baby ballet/soccer/rugby/cricket tots. Given the age of a child, the pivotal role of parents within this social phenomenon is stressed, and this chapter critically considers i) how long-term changes in parent-child relations in the United Kingdom (UK) have led to more intense parenting styles; ii) how these styles influence increases in more organised sporting activities for children; and iii) how these styles and increases are largely manifested by neoliberal rationalities, shaming processes, and parents’ civilising aspirations for their children. These critical considerations are analysed through figurational concepts of long-term social processes, figurations, power relations, and shame. © 2026 selection and editorial matter, Georgia Allen-Baker and Philippa Velija; individual chapters, the contributors.

Item Type:	Book Section
Status:	Published
DOI:	10.4324/9781003483397-4
School/Department:	School of Science, Technology and Health
URI:	https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/13022

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