Mary Jo Kane chapter 18 Sociological Aspects of Sport

Introduction Discipline called sport sociology Nearly 40 years Gaining an in-depth awareness –Social –Political –Economic

Defining Sport Sociology Coakley (2004) Subdiscipline of sociology that studies sports as parts of social and cultural life Theories and concepts –Examine organizations and microsystems –Examine subcultures –Examine social patterns, structures, and groups (continued)

Defining Sport Sociology (continued) Underlying assumption A critically important institution Fundamental goal –Describe patterns of participation –Describe social concerns Ultimate concern Understanding and meaning of sport as a social, political, and economic institution

Role of Theory in Understanding Sport Making important connections –Among facts and phenomena –Organize them into meaningful patterns or explanations –Help us make sense of the world Principal aim To describe, explain, and predict human behavior

Social Significance of Sport Vast resources invested –Licensed sport products –Broadcast rights –Advertising On- and off-court behavior –Gang and date rape –Violence and aggression –Drug use and abuse (continued)

Social Significance of Sport (continued) Positive consequences Unifier of people Negative consequences –Sexism –Racism –Homophobia –Violence (continued)

Social Significance of Sport (continued) Vehicle for social change Sport has incredible power to serve as a vehicle for social change

Benefits of Sport Socializing agent Unifier of people

Sport As a Socializing Agent Socialization process Society’s dominant values, attitudes, and beliefs are passed down from generation to generation Role learning Young children learn to think and behave by various social roles available to them (continued)

Sport As a Socializing Agent (continued) Mastering critical social skills –Responsible neighbor –Productive student and coworker –Loyal friend –Companion Involvement in sport as spectators or participants

Sport As a Unifier of People Gives people a sense of personal identity Group membership and social identification Cuts across race, class, gender, age Linkages to transcend tension and conflict Brings individuals together as team members

The Dark Side of Sport Eating disorders Sexism in sport Leadership roles Media coverage of women’s sports Homophobia and heterosexism in sport Racism in sport Violence in sport

Eating Disorders How big is the problem? –7 million women –1 million men Some groups more at risk –Especially true for females –Bombarded with images and message that “thin is perfect” Need to evaluate studies carefully

Sexism in Sport Differences between men and women Athletic scholarships offerings Athletic budgets Access to facilities Salaries for coaches and administrators

Leadership Roles Coaching positions in women’s athletics –In 1972, 90% female head coaches –In 2004, 44% female head coaches –In 2004, 8,500 coaching positions, majority filled by men –In 2004, 2% female coaches in men’s athletics (continued)

Leadership Roles (continued) Administrative positions in women’s athletics –Before Title IX, 90% women –In 2004, 18.5% women

Media Coverage of Women’s Sports Amount of coverage –In 2004, 6.3% of total sports television coverage –In 2000, 5 to 10 times less than men in print coverage Types of coverage –Referring to female athletes as “hotties” –Soft pornography (figure 18.2) –Sports Illustrated

Homophobia and Heterosexism in Sport Definition A universal fear or intolerance toward gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals Females –Athletes at risk –Coaches at risk Males –Particularly oppressive and intolerant –Historical role of sport

Racism in Sport Stacking –Professional players –Managers in professional sports –Leadership in intercollegiate athletes Racial stereotypes –Natural abilities –Sports media coverage –Biological and cultural destiny

Violence in Sport Physical and sexual assaults Seven examples in textbook Question: Why is this happening? (continued)

Violence in Sport (continued) Possible answer: glorification Encourages men to equate their hyperphysicality with behavior that demeans, intimidates, and sexualizes others Possible cause: mainstream sport media Offer mixed messages (continued)

Violence in Sport (continued) Dominant themes of televised sports –Masculinity –Televised sports manhood formula –Winners have strength, speed, power, and guts –Ruthlessly aggressive men win –Passive or weaker men lose

Sport As a Vehicle for Social Transformation Catalyst for change –Reinforce with appropriate social values –Instill individuals with a deep-seated commitment to make important and long-lasting contributions to society (continued)

Sport As a Vehicle for Social Transformation (continued) Examples –Jackie Robinson –Other minority professional athletes –Turbulent 1960s –Magic Johnson –Women’s participation –Challenging homophobic beliefs and practices

Implications for Sport Managers Knowing about people –Snyder (1990) –Get people involved Taking the proactive approach –Adherence to sport and exercise –Get more women interested