sociological aspects

Contains over four hundred alphabetized, cross-referenced entries on the place of sports in American culture, covering key events and figures in American sports history and such topics as money, politics, feminism, and homosexuality.

Explores the controversies about how closely the reality of sport matches the ideal; and presents debates about what sport is, what it can be, and what it should be.

"This collection of fresh essays seeks to examine the intersection of baseball and social class, pointing to the conclusion that America's game, infused from its origins with a democratic mythos and founded on high-minded principles of meritocracy, is nonetheless fraught with problematic class contradictions"--Provided by publisher.

Explores the plants that have been dubbed as weeds, such as dandelions, crabgrass, poison ivy, poppies, and thistles, discussing their histories, portrayal in books, destruction of ecosystems, restoration of war-torn lands, and more.

The authors explore the economics of real-world issues often viewed as insignificant, such as the extent to which the Roe v. Wade decision affected violent crime, and examine hidden incentives behind all sorts of human behavior.

Explores the impact the growing role of creativity has had on the American economy, explaining how creative people are gradually changing American society, its values, tastes, relationships, careers, and cities.

Describes various games and sports played in Mexico, including soccer, boxing, and bullfighting.