This paper discusses the apparent malaise within sport socialization research. After evaluating the previous literature as well as existing critiques, we suggest that the majority of problematic assumptions have occurred at the methodological rather than the theoretical level. Many methodological limitations are evident, such as sampling bias, using males as a standard, and the failure to use control groups. In addition a breakdown between theory and subsequent operationalization has occurred, as demonstrated by the reduction of the socialization process to a unidirectional situation. The discussion concludes by suggesting that there is continuous need to shuttle between theoretical conceptualization and empirical exposition.