KRLS 304: Scandal and Crime in Sport and Leisure

What is deviance?

Refers to behaviour that violates social norms, values, and expectations

-It is not an inherent trait of an individual or action but rather a socially constructed concept that varies across time and place

What is conformity?

Refers to behaviour that is in accordance with social norms and expectations

How is deviance a social construct?

-Not an inherent characteristic of an individual, action, or behaviour

-It is a label asssigned by society based on social norms and values

-It varies across time and place

What are some examples of how deviance changes over time?

-Homosexuality being criminalized in Canada and the US

-Having tattoos being associated with criminality and gangs

-Women wearing pants being deviant and at times even considered a criminal offence

How do hegemony and discursive power affect deviance and conformity?

-Discursive power and hegemony contribute to the construction of ideas of conformity and deviance by defining social norms and values

-Those who hold discursive power and maintain hegemonic control shape and influence what is considered deviant or acceptable behaviour

What are the 4 theories of deviance and conformity?

1. Strain theory

2. Differential association theory

3. Social identity theory

4. Social learning theory

What is strain theory?

Explains how social and economic pressures can lead to deviant behaviour

-Individuals experience strain or pressure when thet are unable to achieve their goals through legitimate means

What are the 3 types of strain?

1. Structural

2. Individual

3. Coping mechanisms

What is structural strain?

Caused by social and economic inequalities

What is individual strain?

Caused by personal problems (mental health issues, feeling disconnected from society etc)

What are coping mechanisms?

Strategies individuals use to deal with strain (can include deviant behaviours like drug use or crime)

What is differential association theory?

-Explains how individuals learn deviant behaviour from the people around them

-Individuals are exposed to different social environments and learn from the beahviour and values of the people they interact with, particularly their peers

What is social identity theory?

-Explains how individuals develop a sense of who they are based on their membership in social groups

-Someone may identify as a soccer player or a fan of a particular team and feel a sense of pride and belonging in that group

What is in group bias?

People tend to favour their own group and discriminate against other groups.

What is social learning theory?

Explains how individuals learn new behaviours and attitudes through observation and imitation of others

-people learn by watching others and modeling their behaviour

-Individuals learn not only through direct observation of behaviour, but also through the consequences and outcomes of behaviour

What is a scandal?

An event or series of events that attract widespread public attention and is seen as shocking, immoral, or unethical

-Often characterized by a sense of outrage, betrayal, or disbelief among the public

What is a crime?

An act or behaviour that is prohibited by law and punishable by the legal system

-The definition of what constitues a crime can vary across time and place

Who was Oscar Pistorius?

A South African sprint runner and Paralympic gold medalist was convicted of culpable homicide for shooting his girlfriend in 2013

-Sentenced to 5 years in prison, but later released on parole.

Who was Chris Benoit?

A Canadian professional wrestler who worked for the WWE killed his wife and son and then himself

-Raised questions about the mental and emotional toll of professional wrestlying, impact of head injuries, and the use of steroids and other PEDs.

Is there a possible explination for this widespread violence against women in sport and leisure?

-Some sociologists think differential association could be the answer

-Male athletes who are often part of social networks that reinforce and perpetuate tradtional gender norms and expectations may learn attitudes and beliefs that supports violence against women

Who is Tonya Harding?

A former figure skater, involved in the hiring of someone to attack her rival Nancy Kerrigan to eliminate her from the competition

Who was Sally McNeil?

Shot and killed her husband on Valentine's Day in 1995

What can explain this violent behaviour?

Social Learning Theory can be related to both cases as both women came from abusive households and therefore may have learned these types of behaviour's and seen them as normal and acceptable

How is crime not just an individual problem?

-Need to analyze how they relate to society as a whole and how sport organizations might be contributing to these actions and events

What is groupthink?

Occurs when a group/organization values loyalty and harmony over truth

-The goal is to avoid conflict and disagreement and prioritize protecting the group's image

What do people in groupthink do?

-Don't want to "rock the boat"

-Assume someone else will handle the problem

-Convince themselves that the group is doing the right thing

What are the other factors contributing to abusive environments?

1. Power Dynamics

2. Normalization

3. Gender and power imbalances

What happened with the Canadian Hockey League?

-14 former CHL players submitted affidavits detailing alleged abuse and hazing in a class-action lawsuit filed by two other ex-players

-The allegations in the affidavits submitted are from players who played in the late 1970s through 2014

What happened in the NWSL?

-A pair of former players cam forward in 2021 and accused longtime NWSL head coach paul riley of sexual harassment and coercion dating a decade

-The NWSL and its PA, as well as USS launched investigations into the allegations. They found emotional abuse and sexual misconduct were "systemic in the sport

How did the three additional factors affect the CHL?

Power dynamics: power imbalances between veteran and rookie players

Normalization: Abuse being reported but no action being taken

Power and gender imbalances: Gender stereotypes also discourage men from reporting abuse due to stigma

How did the three additional factors affect the NWSL?

Power dynamics: Huge power imbalances between coaches and players

Normalization: Abuse in the NWSL being rooted in a deeper culture in women's soccer

Power and Gender imbalances: organization being male-dominated in leadership and coaching roles

How did groupthink occur in the CHL?

After an "informal investgation by the OHL and/or CHL agents," no findings were released and no steps were taken to address the alleged abuse

-Issues with internal investigations being influenced by groupthink

How did groupthink occur in the NWSL?

Recommendations for improvement to make the league safer included "accurately disclosing coach misconduct to the league and soccer federation to ensure coaches arent allowed to move between teams"

What are the positive outcomes?

-Cleare reporting systems

-External oversight

-Greater public awareness

-National SafeSPort standards in place

What are the ongoing concerns?