The network of sports: using network analysis to understand the relationship between sports and socio-physiological factors in contemporary China

Abstract

This study examines sports and physical activities among Chinese aged 18–65, using network analysis on a significant random sample. It categorizes sports into 11 groups based on public selection, with a community detection algorithm aiding classification. Variables like age, gender, and education were integrated, revealing how life stages, gender disparities, and social class influence activity participation. The mixed graph model shows both positive and negative correlations among activities, highlighting the role of sports as both a social integrator and divider, reflective of broader societal norms and inequalities. The exponential random graph model further illustrates a complex network of demographic-driven participation patterns. The purpose of this investigation is twofold: to advance methodological approaches in the study of sports-related social networks and to explore the broader implications such networks may have on individual and collective behaviors within this field.