AQA GCSE PE: Socio-cultural influences

Social groups

People who interact with one another, share similar characteristics, and have a sense of unity/togetherness.

Engagement patterns

Trends/tendencies in involvement.

Stereotype

A widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing.

Ethnic group

A community or population made up of people who share a common cultural background or descent.

Socio-economic group

A group of people distinguished by employment, income and social characteristics such as education and family status.

Post-school drop-out

The reduction in participation levels in young adults after they leave full-time education.

Role model

A person looked up to by others as an example to be copied

Peer group

A group of people of approximately the same age, status and interests.

Disability

A physical or mental impairment that limits a person's movements, senses or activities.

Adapted sports

Competitive sports for individuals with disabilities.

Discrimination

The unjust or prejudicial treatment of different groups of people or things, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex.

Barriers to participation

An obstacle that prevents a group within society from participating in sport.

Prejudice

Preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience.

Leisure time

The time people have when they are not working, taking care of themselves or completing their family and home duties.

Disposable income

Income (money) available to be spent or saved as you wish.

Commercialisation

The process by which a new product or service is introduced into the general market.

Media

The main ways that people communicate (TV, radio, newspapers collectively).

Sponsorship

Where a company pays money to a team or individual in return for advertising their goods.

Golden triangle

The financial relationship between sport, sponsorship and media.

Contract to compete

Agreeing to play by the rules, trying to win but also allowing your opponent to play.

Ergogenic aid

A technique or substance used for the purpose of enhancing performance.

Stimulants

Make athletes more alert and mask effects of fatigue.

Narcotic analgesics

Painkillers that mask pain caused by injury or fatigue, which can make the injury worse

Anabolic agents

Drugs that help athletes to train harder and build muscle

Peptide hormones (EPO)

Naturally occurring chemicals. EPO increases numbers of red blood cells and therefore improves oxygen delivery to muscles.

Diuretics

Drugs that remove fluid from the body.

Blood doping

Artificially increasing the number of red cells in the blood.

Viscosity

How 'thick' a liquid is.

Beta blockers

Drugs taken to calm performer down by reducing the effects of adrenaline.

Home-field advantage

The psychological advantage that the home team has over the visiting team as a result of playing in familiar facilities and in front of supportive fans.

Hooliganism

Rowdy, violent or destructive behaviour.

Etiquette

The unwritten rules concerning player behaviour.

Sportsmanship

Appropriate, polite and fair behaviour while participating in a sporting event.

Gamesmanship

The use of dubious methods, that are not strictly illegal, to gain an advantage.