Theories of Kinesiology: Conflict, Critical, Interactionist, Functionalist, and Feminist

Running head: THEORIES OF KINESIOLOGY
THEORIES OF KINESIOLOGY
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1THEORIES OF KINESIOLOGY
Kinesiology refers to the scientific studies that are related to the human as well as the
non-human body movements (Beasley, 2015). The following essay attempts a discussion on the
five major theories that pertain to kinesiology. The essay discusses the theories and then
proceeds to discuss the theories in comparison with each other.
Summary of theories
The conflict theory of kinesiology states that the economic interests are generally
observed to shape the world. It is often stated that the sports are used to restore the status quo
power structure that exists within the power structure of the society. The critical theory of
kinesiology refers to the use of the source of the power of the authority that are demonstrated by
the groups of sportspersons towards other sports activities. The critical theory tends to create a
belief of the superiority of one group over the other groups. The interactionist theory of
kinesiology generally focusses on the social interactions as well as the relationships that are
existent within the given society. The interactionist theory states that the choices that are adapted
by the practitioners of the theory are generally deliberate (Roth & Knapp, 2017). The
functionalist theory relates to the ways in which the smooth operations of the social systems
take place with the implementation of the sport activities. The feminist theory of kinesiology
generally focusses on the various factors that are related to the gender relations within the
various activities related to the sports (Wendling, Kellison & Sagas, 2018). The feminist theory
further relates to the understanding of the sports activities to be a part of the culture that exists
within the society.
Comparison of theories
The various theories that have been discussed above might relate to the various aspects of
kinesiology. The critical theory of kinesiology might be compared and contrasted to the