Sport Sociology

Sport Sociology and What They Research

Sociology is the scientific study of human society and its origins, development, organizations, and institutions.

Sport Sociology Subdiscipline of sociology that studies sports as parts

of social and cultural lifeWhy have certain activities been selected and

designated as sports in particular groups?How are sports related to important spheres

of social life (family, education)?

Psychology Sociology

Study behavior in terms of attributes and processes that exist inside individuals

Focus on motivation, self-esteem, personality, social influences, leadership

Study behavior in terms of the social conditions and cultural contexts in which people live their lives

Focus on the reality outside and around the individual

Deal with how people form relationships

Psychology vs Sociology

Why Study Sports as a Social Phenomena

Sports are connected to major spheres of social life

Sports and FamilySports and the EconomySports and the MediaSports and PoliticsSports and EducationSports and ReligionWhat Happened to the Game?

Sports and Family

Millions of children are involved in a variety of organized sport activities

Family schedules are altered to accommodate practices and games

Viewing sporting events sometimes disrupts family life and other times provides a collective focus for family attention

-how-do-sports-affect-families/

Sports and the Economy

Billions of $$$ are spent every year for game tickets, sports equipment, participation fees, athletic club memberships dues, and betting

Corporate logos are tied to sport teams and athletes are displayed prominently in schools and parks

Athletes make great sums of $$$ in salaries, endorsements, and appearance fees

Fortunate 50 - SI.com

Sports and the Media

TV and cable networks pay billions of dollars for the rights to televise major games and events

Sports organizations are aware that they depend on spectators and with out the media their lives would be different

The use of zoom, special camera angles, filters, slowmos, replays, commentary all enhance drama and excitement

Media have converted sports into a major form of entertainment in many societies

Super Bowl

Sports and Politics

Many societies link sports to feelings of national pride and a sense of national identity

Displaying national flags and national anthems at sporting events

Political leaders at various levels promote themselves by associating with sports as participants and spectators

Former athletes have been elected to powerful political positions

Sports and Politics

athletes turned politician

Not Just a Game -#related-links

Sports and Education

Sports have become integral parts of school life for students around the world

Physical Education classesSome sports teams attract more attention in

the community than academic progresshow-sports-affect-grades-in-a-good-way

Sports and Religion

Local churches and groups are some of the most active sponsors of athletic teams/leagues

Worship schedules are revised to accommodate members who watch sports

Athletes display religious beliefs in connection with their sport participation