Towards a social science of drugs in sport

Abstract

With the role of social science becoming more prominent in drugs in sport research, this essay sets out an agenda designed to provide a starting point for co-ordinated research in the field. The agenda is derived from efforts across the social sciences, including sports philosophy, sociology, economics, law and psychology (health and educational). These disciplinary statements are augmented by a statement on ‘cosmopolitan research’, aiming to establish collaboration as the norm for investigations of drugs in sport using social science methods. Some consideration is given to the practicalities of researching in this area, specifically sources of funding and working with national anti-doping organizations. This agenda and consideration for practicalities is the culmination of efforts from a team of social scientists seeking to promote research by posing questions and offering opinions with which to agree and disagree; that is, moving towards a vibrant social science of drugs in sport.

Notes

¹ Many thanks to Dennis Hemphill for providing the notes that led to this summary.

² Many thanks to James Connor for providing the notes that led to this summary.

³ The author acknowledges other research programs reported by non-English web sites or agencies (e.g. university grant schemes) may offer significant financial support to this line of research that would change this particular result.