1. 18 Sociological Aspects of Sport C H A P T E R
Nicole M. LaVoi, University of Minnesota
Mary Jo Kane, University of Minnesota
Chapter 18

2. Defining Sport Sociology
A subdiscipline of sociology involving the study of “sports as social phenomena” (Coakley, 2009, p. 11)
Sport sociologists
Rely on sociological theories and concepts
Examine social patterns, structures, institutions
Do not focus on behavior of specific individuals

3. Social Significance of Sport
Sport influences almost all aspects of our lives
Enormous economic impact of sport industry
Sport holds a prominent place in our society
Consumption, valuation, and participation have potential for both positive and negative outcomes

4. Benefits of Sport
Sport as a socializing agent
Sport as a unifier

5. Dark Side of Sport Sport as a divider Sexism in sport
Homophobia and heterosexism in sport
Racism in sport

6. Dark Side of Sport: Sexism in Sport
Female patterns of sport participation
Resources allocated to collegiate athletes
Women in positions of leadership in sport
International Sidebar: Women and Sport Leadership in New Zealand
Media coverage of female athletes
Sidebar: Media Portrayals of Female Athletes

7. Dark Side of Sport: Homophobia and Heterosexism
Women’s sports
Men’s sports

8. Dark Side of Sport: Racism in Sport
Race and athletic ability: race logic
Racism and sport leadership
Stacking
Racial and Gender Report Card
(continued)

9. Dark Side of Sport: Racism in Sport (continued)
Sport media coverage
Sport and upward mobility

10. Sport as a Vehicle for Social Transformation
Sport is one of the few institutions that can serve as a catalyst for change
Examples
Modern color barrier
Turbulence of the 1960s
Challenging stereotypes and homophobia
Breaking barriers for women

11. Implications for Sport Managers
Knowing about people is key in sport management
To get and keep consumers involved, sport managers must understand these issues:
Social context of sport
Meaning attached to that context
(continued)

12. Implications for Sport Managers (continued)
Example: Females’ participation in sport
Sidebar: Case Study

13. Practical Application
Critical thinking in sport sociology
Title IX article in university newspaper
Ethics in sport sociology
Use of Native Americans as sport mascots

14. Three Review Questions
How and why do sports come to symbolize broader social concerns throughout society?
Why has the number of women in key leadership positions in sport declined dramatically over the past three decades?
Why does sport sociology have significant implications for sport managers?