SPORTS Sport A set of competitive activities in

SPORTS § Sport – A set of competitive activities in which winners and losers are determined by physical performance within a set of established rules § Sport Subculture – A group with distinct roles, values, norms, and beliefs that is organized around a sport activity

Paradox of Sports § Social Integration – Sports can unite different social classes and racial groups, but they can also heighten barriers that separate groups. § Fair Play – Sports promotes fair play by teaching the importance of following the rules, but the emphasis on winning tempts people to cheat. § Physical Fitness – Sports promotes muscle strength, weight control, endurance, and coordination, but sports can also lead to the use of steroids, HGH, and other drugs to promote excessive weight gain or loss, and injuries.

PARADOX OF SPORTS Academics – Sports contributes to higher education through scholarships and fund raising, but sports takes money away from academics and emphasizes athletic performance over learning and education. Social Mobility – Sports allows athletes who might otherwise not attend college to obtain an education, but only a select few can achieve the promise of fame and wealth at the professional level. Sports and Academics – Video Clip

Paradox of Sports

Functionalists View: Sports § Teach basic beliefs, norms, and values § Promote a sense of social identification and a sense of belonging in a community § Encourage the development of character § Offer a safe release of aggressive feelings generated by the frustrations, anxieties and strains of modern life

CONFLICT THEORY: SPORTS § The most powerful oppress, manipulate, coerce, and exploit others. § Sports mirror the unequal distribution of power and money in society. § Social conflict exists within a community and persists despite widespread attachment to athletic teams.

Symbolic Interactionism: Sports § Symbolic Interactionists analyzes the self and social concepts of sports. Participation in a team sport may help or harm self-esteem based on the experience. § Interactionists would be interested in the behavior patterns displayed by parents at youth sporting events. § Young athletes may pick up cues about the importance of winning from the adults in spite of everything a coach may do to ensure sportsmanship and ideal norms

Social Issues in Sports § Do sports cause social stratification in schools? § Does society value male athletes more than female athletes? § Is there sexism in sports?