1. Lesson 1: Sports as a Social Institution
SOCII.3.1 Describe the evolution of sports in society. SOCII.3.2 Identify and assess current issues in sports. Essential Questions: How does the institution of sports meet basic social needs? How does sports change over time? Learning Target: To be able to explain what makes a sport a sport, how competition varies by types, and the characteristics that make sports a social institution. Using this knowledge, you will be able to identify these characteristics in contemporary sports and explain how they are evident.

2. The Sociology of Sports

3. Entrance Ticket: Writing Prompt
Get out a sheet of paper and split it in half (use ½ for this, the other ½ for the exit ticket)
Answer these questions in a full paragraph:
What is your favorite sport? Why?
Are you a participant or a spectator of this sport?
When you participate or watch this sport, what do you feel as an individual?
What do you feel as a part of the team/crowd?
Keep until we have discussed, then turn in.

4. Sport
A set of competitive activities in which winners and losers are determined by physical performance within a set of established rules.
Sociologists say it to be considered a sport it must have:
competition, physical skill, rules

5. Competition
The act of striving with another or others to attain a goal. THREE TYPES OF COMPETITION: Direct competition Indirect competition Against a standard competition

6. Direct Competition Individual vs. individual Team vs. team
Examples: football, soccer, tennis, swimming

7. Indirect Competition
Athletes take turns participating in the same skill/event
Can be team or individual
Examples: bowling, ski jumping, discus, high jump,javelin, etc.

8. Against a Standard Competition
Individual Athlete or teams compete against each other indirectly
Performance is based on a pre-set standard, i.e. “perfect 10”
Examples: gymnastics, diving, ice skating

9. History of Sports… Sports have existed for thousands of years
Games like lacrosse, field hockey, rugby, soccer, etc. were used as training for hunting or warfare
Even sports such as swimming and fishing developed out of essential tasks

10. The History of Sports… Religious Nature of Sports
-Sports were a significant part of religious life
-Often the platform for honor gods (Olympics, tournaments, etc.)
-Part of the honoring of warriors in
funeral rites

12. The History of Sports…
Sports throughout history have reflected the social norms of the time
Ancient Greece: bull leaping, wrestling, foot and chariot races

13. The History of Sports…
Ancient Rome: gladiators, foot and chariot races
Athletes were celebrities
They would be given free meals, money, pensions, and be
well taken care of

14. The History of Sport…
During the Middle Ages, sports like jousting, sword fighting, etc. were used as a way to keep nobility “busy” between wars
Until the mid-1800s, sport is reserved for the upper-class

15. History of Sports…
Now popular (upper and middle class) games like England’s cricket develop out of games played by the poor of society and children

16. History of Sports…
American baseball, football, and basketball develop from the mid-1800s
a split develops between professionals and amateurs
Pros become popular
College teams develops

17. History of Sports…
Today, sports is a large part of our society and culture (a social phenomena)
--Professional Sports
Major Leagues (MLB, NFL, NHL, NBA, MLS)
Minor Leagues (ECHL, MLB farm teams, etc.)
--Collegiate Sports (NCAA, BCS)
--School and Public Children’s Sports
Little League, Community Rec Leagues, etc.

18. Sports as an Institution
Modern society sees SIX distinctive characteristics that make sports a social institution (like the family, religion, education, the media, and politics)
Secularization
Equality
Rationalization
Specialization
Bureaucratization
Quantification

19. Secularization
The moving of sports from the realm of the sacred (religious) to the profane (non-religious).
Sports is now its OWN institution, thus not directly connected to religion.
It can, however, retain some religious nature…

20. Equality
The moving of participation in sports from ascribed status to achieved status.
While some sports are still based on social class, most are based on the concept of eligibility—athletes play because they have earned right, not because of their income/status.
The rules of play are consistent for all (for the most part ).

21. Specialization Sports in modern society are greatly refined.
Within individual sports, specific roles are highly specialized.
THE DIRECT RESULT OF SOCIAL EMPHASIS ON ACHIEVEMENT!
Examples: team sport positions, individual sport specialties

22. Rationalization
Sports in modern society are calculated, measured, and control behavior.
It has lead to rules becoming official and standardized, and the development of leagues.
This creates a consistency and allows for cultural transmission of sports—globalization.

23. Bureaucratization
Like rationalization (the establishment of rules, leagues, consistency), it ORGANIZES these elements.
Again, provides consistency and accountability.

24. Quantification The setting of measurement for competition.
To ensure “fair play” and uniformity.
Examples:
Timers
Measurements
Weights

25. Exit Ticket
Get out the “Characteristics in Current Events” homework (green ½ sheet) and answer questions 1 and 2.
If time, you may get out your device and look for an article to complete the rest for HOMEWORK—remember, a printed copy of the article must be attached