1 intro sportsoc

INTRODUCTION TO SPORT SOCIOLOGY/SPORT THEORIES (Chapters 1 & 2 Coakely, 2004 8th ed)

Sociology of Sport What is it? Why Study it? It is a subdiscipline of sociology that studies sports as a part of social and cultural life However: What is Sport? What is Physical Activity? What is Leisure? What is Recreation? For the purposes of this class sports are: Physical activities Competitive activities

We will mainly be concerned with organised institutionalised sporting activities (nationally, internationally and globally)

What are institutionalised activities? Institutionalisation is a sociological term referring to the process through which behaviours and organisations become patterned or standardised over time from one situation to another (Coakely, 2004. 8th ed) Institutionalised activities have formal rules and organisation structures Therefore cannot compare what goes on in beach cricket with grade, state or test cricket ( ie beach cricket has no formal rules, governing bodies, technical aspects, formalised game skills)

Using Sociology of Sport Understanding sociological concepts/issues in sport can provide us with an informed perspective with respect to: Power (economic, political) Globalisation Marginalisation Stigmatisation Racism Sexism Hooliganism Drugs (etc)

Sociology of Sport is about Thinking critically about sports to identify and understand social problems and social issues associated with sports in society Viewing sports not just in terms of physical performance but also as a social phenomena considering people’s feelings, thoughts and lives Learning about sports so that you can make informed choices about your sport or the sports in your community Thinking about how to challenge ways in which sports disadvantage some categories of people and privilege others

Sport sociology and making a difference The conclusions sport sociologists make can sometimes create controversy because conclusions often call for institutional change The conclusions often threaten people in positions of power and control and who believe that current organisation of sport is “right and natural” ie Racial vilification (AFL) Sledging (Cricket) Women and sport participation

Why study sports as a social phenomena? Sport is clearly a part of many cultures throughout the world Sport is a huge global economy pervading many facets of our lives (TV, radio, newspaper, advertising) Many sportspeople are more well known and revered than other prominent people within some cultures ( eg several Australians of the year- Mark Taylor, Pat Rafter, Steve Waugh) Sports talk can be a site for socialisation (ie easy ice-breaker) Sports have become something around which individuals can create an identity (for some more so than education, career, religion or family)

Also study sports as a social phenomena Because many aspects of sport transcend social spheres Sports and the family Sports and the economy Sports and the media Sports and politics Sports and education Sports and religion

Overall, sports and sport images have become a pervasive part of our everyday lives, especially those of us living in countries where resources are relatively plentiful and the media are widespread. For this reason, sports are logical topics for the attention of sociologists and anyone else concerned with social life today. (Coakely, 2004 p.9)

Sociology of Sport Theories We use social and cultural theories to help us study, and change, sports The best sociology of sport theories: Help us ask questions and seek information that enable us to see sports in new ways Understand the relationship between sports and social life Make informed decisions about sports and sports participation in our lives, families, communities and societies

Theories used in Sport Sociology Six major theories Functionalist theory Conflict theory Interactionist theory Critical theories Feminist theories & Figurational theory

Functionalist Theory Takes on the notion that everything is inherently good in sports That sports positively change lives, communities and social settings That sport is a natural environment in which participants interact smoothly and efficiently These are viewpoints that many students will have at the beginning of their undergraduate career

Conflict Theory Based on ideas of Karl Marx Assumes social life revolves around money, wealth and economic forces Conflict theorist’s assume that major forms of sport in society promote the interests of people with money and economic power Conflict theorist’s see sport as diminishing the power of those without money whilst enhancing the power and privilege of those who control wealth and the economy However, Conflict theory inspires research and discussion on how sports perpetuate power and privilege of elite groups in society and serve as tools of exploitation and oppression

Interactionist Theory Focuses on meaning, identity, social relationships and subcultures in sports Inspires discussion and research about the experiences of athletes and how the athletes define and make sense out of their participation in sports Participant observations and in-depth interviews are the most appropriate forms of research methodologies

Critical Theories Most widely used theories for those who study sports in society Take many forms in focusing on explanations of culture, power and social relations Whereas functionalist and conflict theorists say “sport is a reflection of society” critical theorist’s explain that sport is much more and that sports are sites in which culture is produced and reproduced (therefore more important)

Feminist Theories Based on the assumption that sports are gendered activities Critical feminist theorists are concerned with power relations and gender dynamics that privilege men over women Assume that the meaning, organisation and purpose of sports are grounded in the values and experiences of men and celebrate notions of masculinity

Figurational Theory Has its roots in history based intellectual traditions in Europe (Not well known in US and Australia) Those who use this theory focus on historical processes Figurational theory has inspired a good deal of research on the global impact of sports in terms of global economy, global media-sport complex, global sport and politics (How these have emerged over time)

What theories are best? Theories are tools that help us ask questions, collect and analyse information, and interpret the implications of the analyses. Our choice of theories is influenced by our goals and political agendas. The best theories are those that help us find ways to make the world more democratic and humane. Aren’t they?

1 intro sportsoc

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