Austin sports history

Socialization

An active process of learning and social development, occurring as we interact with one another and become acquainted with the social world.

Functionalist Theory

Views socialization as a process through which individuals develop social characteristics that allow them to fit into society and contribute.

Conflict Theory

Sees sports as a mechanism that serves the economic needs of a capitalist system, influencing society to create compliant workers and consumers.

Interactionist Theory

Focuses on the interactive process of learning about the social world through participation in sports.

Significant Others

Individuals or groups that significantly influence our socialization process, such as family, friends, and media.

Subculture

A group of people within a larger culture that has its own distinct values and norms.

Deviance

Actions or behaviors that fall outside a normally accepted range, including extreme overconformity or underconformity.

Sports Ethics

A set of norms accepted by athletes as criteria for defining what it means to be an athlete, often leading to deviant behaviors.

Hegemony

The process of forming consent around a particular ideology.

Burnout

The state of physical and emotional exhaustion experienced by an athlete, often due to stress and excessive competition.

Title IX

A US federal law that prohibits discrimination based on sex in educational programs and activities, including sports.

Gender Ideology

The set of interrelated ideas people use to explain gender roles and relations.

Hyper-conformity

Excessively adhering to norms that may lead to deviant behaviors, especially in sports contexts.

Institutionalized Violence

Violence that is normalized within contact sports as a strategy to win.

Performance Enhancing Substances

Substances used by athletes to improve their performance, often leading to ethical and legal concerns.

Cultural Heritage

The shared beliefs, values, and practices that define a group of people.

Social Stratification

A system by which society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy.

Racial Ideology

Beliefs and assumptions about race that affect social interactions and perceptions.

Economic Inequality

The unequal distribution of income and opportunity between different groups in society.

Entry Barriers

Challenges that prevent individuals, particularly from marginalized groups, from joining or advancing in sports.

Retention Barrier

Obstacles that inhibit the continued participation of certain groups (e.g., minority athletes) in sports.

Sports Media

Various forms of communication that cover, analyze, and present sports events to audiences.

Privately Owned Media

Media entities that operate for profit, driven by commercial interests and competition.

Public Service Media

Media that aims to serve the public interest, often with a focus on information and education.

Sportainment

The blend of sports and entertainment, emphasizing drama and appeal in sports coverage.

Homophobia in Sports

Fear or prejudice against individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ within sports contexts.

Gender Double Standards

Differences in how male and female athletes are treated, often based on traditional gender norms.