chapter 9 sports and society

These flashcards cover key concepts and details about the relationship between sports, economic inequality, and social class.

What is a common misconception about sports participation in relation to economic inequality?

Many believe that sports are open to all and are unaffected by economic inequalities.

How do people in power define 'character' in society?

They define it in a way that promotes their interests.

What do people in a particular social class share?

They share similar life chances, such as odds for achieving economic success and power.

What belief is a part of the dominant class ideology in the United States?

The belief that the United States is a meritocracy and in the American Dream.

What term describes the structured forms of economic inequalities in social life?

Social stratification.

What feature of the American Dream focuses on individual aspirations?

It emphasizes individual aspirations.

What do commercial-media executives say about poverty in relation to audience ratings?

They claim that stories about poverty are too depressing and hurt audience ratings.

In sports organization, whose values are reflected and maintained?

The values and interests of people with money and economic power.

What do people believe about the United States in terms of meritocracy?

That it is a social world where rewards go to those who deserve them.

How do resourceful individuals sponsor sports in relation to their ideas?

They sponsor sports that support their ideas about 'good character'.

What do white men and economic elites support regarding economic inequality?

They support the idea that the current level of economic inequality is good for the country.

What do sociologists refer to in understanding economic inequalities?

Class ideology.

What costs can be associated with sports participation?

Costs can include coaches, nutrition products, equipment, and recovery products.

What is the American Dream described as in the context of dominant class ideology?

A hopeful vision of boundless opportunities for individuals.

What type of sports do people from high-income groups participate in?

Sports that require control, freedom, and time to participate.

What effects of poverty are often ignored in media and discourse?

The oppressive effects of poverty.

What is necessary for middle-income and working-class people to participate in expensive sports?

Participation occurs in connection with financial sacrifice.

How does believing in meritocracy help justify economic inequalities?

It helps people explain and justify economic inequalities.

What demographic holds major power positions in elite sports?

Most are men, predominantly white men.

What is true about low-income people's lifestyles and sports participation?

They seldom involve regular sports participation.

What is the correlation between sports activities and a person's income and education?

Active participation is positively correlated with income, education, and occupational status.

What types of sports do wealthy people usually engage in?

Sports that are self-funded and played at exclusive clubs.

Who are least likely to have the resources and time for sports?

Married women with children.

What sports are accessible to middle-income and working-class people?

Sports that are traditionally free and open to the public, sponsored by public funds.

What is most likely limited for a high school student like Candace?

Her participation in sports.

What is true about low-income people's spending on sports?

Spending money to play or watch sports is a luxury they cannot afford.

What did Loïc Wacquant find about professional boxers and their backgrounds?

Most knew they wouldn't be boxing if they had access to resources and other career opportunities.

What constraints do women in middle- and lower-income families face regarding sports?

Homemaking and child-rearing responsibilities limit their opportunities to play sports.

What strategy could help students like Latoya participate in sports?

Organizing cooperative child care for students with siblings.

What does sport participation depend upon in relation to social class?

It depends almost exclusively on family resources.

What do media coverages of the Olympic Games often exclude?

The Games are a celebration of wealth and inequality.

What advantage might athletes gain if playing on a sport team?

Increased support for overall growth and academic opportunities.