Centrality Theory Of Stacking In Sports

One good explanation for stacking in sports is that of Centrality Theory. According to this theory, whites are placed in positions in the center of the field. So called “white” positions like quarterback, center lineman, or pitcher require more thought and intelligence, while positions like wide receiver and outfield require more physical talent. As a result of institutionalized racism, the premise that whites are smarter and make better leader is believed to be true by many. This idea influences and has influenced the positions that people of different people play. I believe Wood’s second explanation also accurately describes a cause of stacking. It explains that children follow their role models. These role models tend to be of the same race and have historically fallen into positions determined by race. Coches may have historically placed these role models into racially determined positions likely for reasons relating to Centrality Theory.
These restraints and barriers for black athletes create less pay yearly and makes for shorter careers. Centrality Theory means blacks have less access to higher paying positions
Organizations try to find coaches that their stakeholders can identify with, and thus organizations often choose white males for coaches. Without surprise then, racial minorities fear that they will face many obstacles in coaching. They have few role models similar to them, they fear having their race held against them, and they fear not being able to get promoted. (Cunningham) This fear prevents advancement of racial minorities into coaching positions by negatively affecting the motivation of potential candidates. Further, this institutionalized racism is an influence in the positions that minorities play. The institutionalized ideas that whites are smarter and better leaders pushes organizations to develop white leadership and coaching. White leadership and coaching then allows the cycle to