Lesson 2: Sociological Perspectives on Sports

SOCII.3.2 Identify and assess current issues in sports.

SOCII.3.3 Describe the theoretical perspectives on sports.

Essential Questions:

How does the institution of sports meet basic social needs?

How do sociologists view the role of sports as a social institution?

Learning Target:

To be able to explain how each theoretical perspective views the social institution of sports. Using this knowledge, you will be able to compare

and contrast each, make connections to contemporary sports, and provide “real world” examples of each perspective.

Sociological Perspectives and Sports

KEY TERMS

Sport Sport subculturesubculture

A group within the larger A group within the larger context of sport that has context of sport that has

some of its own distinct roles, some of its own distinct roles, values, and norms organized values, and norms organized

around a sport activity.around a sport activity.

sportsmanshipsportsmanshipThe fact or practice of The fact or practice of

participation in sport and participation in sport and subscribing to the subscribing to the

predetermined rules and predetermined rules and sanctions.sanctions.

teamworkteamworkCooperative effort by Cooperative effort by

members of a group to members of a group to achieve a common goal.achieve a common goal.

Remember the Perspectives…?

• Sociologists observe human society through one of the 3 major “lenses”…

• Functionalist• Interactionist• Conflict theory

Functionalist Perspective

• Functionalists looks at society as a collection of parts that instill values, norms, and morals

• Says sports plays a critical role in society because it:

–Helps society work smoothly–Brings people together

Functionalist Perspective

• Teaches basic beliefs, social norms/values. -Helps society to mature and ready children for adulthood…to become productive members of society.”

• Helps people become “achievement-motivated”

-The earlier they are exposed to sports, the greater potential for this.

BENEFITS:

Functionalist Perspective

• It develops unity.-promotes a sense of social identity and community

-creates relationships between players and among citizens (players and fans—even if they don’t live in that community )

Functionalist Perspective

• It is a safe release of aggression.-a healthy outlet for anxiety and frustration

-a socially acceptable way to express anger (sports fans yelling at the other team or ref is more acceptable than people yelling at a judge, cop…)

Functionalist Perspective

DRAWBACKS:-only some gain from sports

-while values are transmitted, the chance of “extremes” is ever-present, especially when winning becomes “everything…”

-Pressure on players, families, coaches, etc.

Interactionist Perspective

• Social order is created from the bottom up through intentional interaction (organized, hierarchical)

• Social skills and leadership that are created from the relationships of sports

• Individual and group identity through symbols (mascots, gestures, slang, etc.)

Interactionist Perspective

• Sports become subcultures created through social interaction.– Examples: Cheeseheads, soccer fans

• Sport participation is intentional (no longer completely class-based) and participants connect it with their identities and relationships.– Example: father/son catch, coaches,

teammates, fellow fans

Conflict Theory

• Some use sports to satisfy their own self-interest.

• Sports is:– a method of maintaining social inequality– a tool of social and economic exploitation

• Sports allows the strong to overpower the weak and perpetuates struggle.

Conflict Theory

• Basic social class division still exists, even if the “local team” wins or loses– Sports only unites in limited ways/time

• Recent events that support the theory:– Cheating and doping scandals– Over-zealous parents at a Little League

game– Illegal recruiting by colleges– Can you think of other examples…?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZQ8S83Aocw

Conflict Theory

• Drawbacks…– Sports can’t be played for the pure fun of it…– The positive values that can be instilled can

be lost in the competition