SSI-Supported Scholar Evan Davis Publishes Research on 'The Great Sports Myth'

Evan Davis, a former OSU Sport Management graduate student and recipient of the SSI Graduate Student Research Grant, recently published an analysis of “The Great Sport Myth” in the Journal of Sport and Social Issues. The myth assumes that sports inherently lead to positive outcomes, requiring little effort to improve how they are structured beyond increasing participation.

Davis, now an assistant professor at Ithaca College, conducted the research with SSI Research Chair Chris Knoester, professor of sociology. This marks their second publication stemming from 2019 SSI support.

Using data from the SSI-sponsored National Sports and Society Survey, the study found that U.S. adults overwhelmingly believe sports build character, improve health, enhance academic performance, boost popularity, and increase community recognition. Over 90% of respondents specifically think sports build character and improve health.

Social forces such as gender, race/ethnicity, and sexuality influence these beliefs, with men, Black adults, and heterosexual individuals being more likely to recognize sports' benefits. Conservatism, Christian affiliations, and having more children also correlate with stronger beliefs in the positive impact of sports. Additionally, greater personal involvement in sports and positive experiences further reinforce these perceptions.

Davis and Knoester emphasize the importance of acknowledging sports' benefits while seeking ways to improve them. Assuming sports are universally good may reduce efforts to address issues like inclusion, health outcomes, and mistreatment. Those most immersed in sports may have the greatest ability—but potentially less motivation—to advocate for change. Given sports’ societal influence, it is essential to continually work toward creating better experiences for everyone.