Hmmm, all I meant is that Spock was portrayed as an intellectual, competent, sciency guy (= 'nerd') whereas Kirk was brash, hotheaded, cocky (things I associate with the 'jock' stereotype). I hadn't thought about it in terms of the power structure & hierarchy; you are right that Spock had institutional power and authority, whereas Kirk was the rebel outsider. But I don't think that those things necessarily relate to being a jock/nerd, so I guess I'm not sure what you're arguing here.

Also one thing that the stereotype includes is arrogance, I didn't see that in Kirk. Maybe this is why our views differ, he came across as pretty arrogant to me. Justified in his conclusions maybe, but pretty smug with it!

Interesting discussion, I liked reading your take :-)