A teoria processual como um referente possível na investigação em Ciências Sociais do Desporto - um estudo com jogadores portugueses da seleção nacional masculina de Râguebi de sub-17

Abstract

Figurational theory tries to avoid a static and isolated social approach, and seeks to offer an approach determined to study, understand and explain the social phenomena in a more developmental, processual and interdependent way.

The challenge posed to sociological theory is the construction of empirically-based concepts, which, overcoming the traditional dichotomy between the individual and society, would allow us to understand the webs of interaction that bond humans together.

This theory may inspire new research approaches questioning traditional perspectives. The aim of a research process is discovery, however, it has been constantly obscured by formal distinctions, also known as ‘paradigm wars’, about the research method. Research should be guided by theory, however, it should not be closed to possible changes throughout the research process

The present study has two main objectives: i) to frame the webs of interdependent dimensions associated with Norbert Elias processual theory in the current methodological approaches in Social Sciences of Sport; ii) to provide an empirical study with Portuguese Under 17 National Rugby Players, having in consideration that theoretical framework.