Article
Myth, Legitimation, and Stress in Formal Sport Organizations
Journal of Sport and Social Issues
(1979)
Abstract
Myths permeate formal sport organizations and are reflected in their practices, procedures, techniques, and policies. Institutionalized myths and their relationship to: (1) the legitimation of formal sport organizations; (2) the production of cynical knowledge by members of formal sport organizations; and (3) the reduction of occupational stress among sport professionals were examined. It was concluded that institutionalized myths may serve to legitimatize formal sport organizations, but may also act to constrain organizational and individual behavior."Like all social institutions, sport has legitimations which justify its existence, [and] rules which guide the interaction of individuals holding positions within its structure" (Ingham and Loy, 1973:3). These institutionalized rules, which function as potent myths, may have significant effects upon the structure and upon the athletes, coaches, and administrators of formal sport organizations.The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship of institutionalized myths to: (1) the legitimation of formal sport organizations; (2) the produc- tion of cynical knowledge by members of formal sport organizations; and (3) the reduction of occupational stress among sport professionals.
Keywords
- Sport professionals,
- Occupational stress,
- Myths,
- Rules,
- Sports organizations
Disciplines
Publication Date
September, 1979
DOI
10.1177/019372357900300202
Citation Information
Santomier, J. (1979). Myth, legitimation, and stress in formal sport organizations. Journal of Sport and Social Issues 3(2), 11-16. doi: 10.1177/019372357900300202