What is Sports and Society?

I. SociologyA. Sociology is the study of life, including all forms of social

interaction and relationships.1. Sociology helps us see connections between our lives and the

larger social world2. We will use sociology to see sports as part of social and cultural

lifeB. Culture consists of the ways of life that people create as they

participate in a group or societyC. Society refers to a collection of people living in a defined

geographic territory and united by a political system and a shared sense of self-identification that distinguishes them from other people.

II. What are Sports?

A. Sports are institutionalized competitive activities that involve rigorous physical exertion or the use of relatively complex physical skills by participants motivated by internal and external rewards

1. Physical Activities2. Competition3. Institutionalized4. Internal and External Rewards

B. Sports are not: 1. Play-- is an expressive activity done for its own sake. Ex.

Children on playground

2. Dramatic Spectacle-- is a performance that is intended to entertain an audience. Ex. WWE

III. Sociology of Sport

A. Sociologists see sports as social constructionsB. Social Constructions are aspects of the social

world that are created by people as they interact with one another under the social, political and economic conditions that exist in their society.

C. Sports Ideologies

1. Ideologies are webs of ideas and beliefs that people use to give meaning to their world and make sense of their experiences.

Get into groups and explain how sports fit into:– Gender Ideology– Racial Ideology– Class Ideology

IV. Socialization

A. Is a process of learning and social development which occur as we interact with one another and become acquainted with the social world we live in.

B. It involves the formation of ideas about who we are

Ex. Are you a son, a sister, a student, an athlete?

Why do you participate in Sports?

• Interests or goals• Recognition• Social Support• Cultural images• Past Experiences• Scholarship/Money– Rick Reilly article

V. Sports and Social Life

Explain how sports fit into social life.A. Sports and FamilyB. Sports and the EconomyC. Sports and the MediaD. Sports and PoliticsE. Sports and Education

Gravesite found in Aiken, SC

VI. When do you stop participation in Sports?

A. Friends stop playingB. Not fun anymoreC. Other interestsD. Burned out

1. Researchers say burn out happens when young athletes felt they no longer had control over their lives

2. Could not explore or develop other identities apart from sports

VII. Power and Performance v. Pleasure and Participation

A. Power and performance sports are highly organized and competitive– Use strength and power to push human limits– Dedication, hard work and sacrifice are important– Tryouts and selection systems are used– Define opponents as enemies

B. Pleasure and Participation– Active participation to promote connections

between people– Personal expression, enjoyment and good health

are important– Inclusive participation accommodating different

skill levels– Emphasis on competing with others and

opponents are those who test your skill

Which types of sports do you play?

Which are more fun?

Which are more important in society?

• Why do you think that is?• If sports are social constructions, does your

answer make sense?• Who is really in control of sports?