The Nature of Sport Sociologists define sport as

The Nature of Sport Sociologists define sport as a set of competitive activities in which winners and losers are determined by physical performance within a set of established rules. It has become a social institution that fills several societal needs. l Sport teaches some of the basic values of society. l It promotes attachment to society. l Sport helps individuals identify with society. 1

Sport, Culture, and Society Sport plays a central role in American society in part because it reflects the culture’s emphasis on achievement. l The prevailing American view of sport is the one expressed by the late Vince Lombardi: “Winning is not everything. It is the only thing. ” l Sport mirrors society. Males dominate the sports world as they do other aspects of American society. l A sport subculture is a group within the larger context of sport that has some of its own distinct roles, values, and norms. 2

Theoretical Perspectives and Sport is a major social activity through which culture is created and reinforced. l Although sociologists agree that sport mirrors society, they disagree over the social implications of sport. l Sport sociologist Stanley Eitzen has written a book on the paradoxes, or contradictions, of sport in America. 3

Functionalism Functionalists view sport positively because it performs the following functions: l Sport teaches basic beliefs, norms, and values. l Sport promotes a sense of social identification. l Sport offers a safe release of aggressive feelings generated by the frustrations, anxieties, and strains of modern life. l Sport encourages the development of character. 4

What are the social dysfunctions of sport? Functionalists have identified some drawbacks to sport. l Because it reflects society, sport draws on achievement-oriented values that can be intensified to an extreme degree. l When achievement and winning come to be seen as the primary goals of sport, any method of winning–including violence and cheating–may be encouraged. 5

Conflict Theory l Conflict theorists believe that organized sport can harm character development. l To conflict theorists, sport is a social institution in which the most powerful oppress, manipulate, coerce, and exploit others. l While functionalists see sport as contributing to the unification of society, conflict theorists do not. l The contribution sport makes in forming good character is also questioned by conflict theorists. 6

Symbolic Interactionism Symbolic interactionists focus on the self-concepts and relationships developed through sports activity. l It contributes to our understanding of sport as a social institution. l This theoretical perspective concentrates on personal meanings, social relationships, and selfidentity processes. l It is concerned with the symbols of sports, what they mean, and how they are interpreted. 7

What are some limitations of each perspective? Each theoretical perspective has limitations. l While the functionalists point out the positive and negative role of sport in society, they overlook the shift from societal well being to personal profit that has occurred. l Conflict theorists overlook sport’s positive contributions to society. l Symbolic interactionism fails to address the functions of sport in society or explore sport as it relates to power and social inequality. 8

Does sport promote social mobility? Participating in sport usually improves a person’s place in social stratification structure. l Whatever sport they play, college athletes tend to be better educated, earn more money, and have higher occupational prestige than their fathers. l Sport serves as a social class escalator for minorities. l Sport can serve as an upward mobility barrier for minorities because it emphasizes athletics over academics, depriving some of solid educations. 9

Sport and Racism The assignment of positions to players is a form of discrimination. l One sign of this discrimination shows up in stacking, where players are assigned to less central positions on the basis of race or ethnicity. l Fewer minority players are assigned to “central” positions that involve leadership and decisionmaking responsibilities. l Salaries are not awarded equitably. l Personal appearances and endorsements are not requested as often from minority athletes. 10 l Fewer positions of power are occupied by minorities.

Sexism in Sport l The cultural roots of sexism in sport date back to the ancient Greeks, and these gender definitions have survived for the 2, 500 years. l Greek gods were depicted as athletic, strong, powerful, competitive, rational, physical, and intellectual. l Many Greek goddesses were passive, beautiful, physically weak, supportive, unathletic, and sexually attractive. 11

What are some of the consequences of sexism? l Stereotypes have traditionally discouraged females from playing sports. l Sexism has denied females equal access to organized sports. l Women are still denied equal access to the power structure of sport. 12