3.1.3.2.1 Sociological theory applied to equal opportunites

Society

A group of people in persistent, interpersonal relationships and share values

Socialisation

Lifelong process of members learning norms, values and behaviours

Primary socialisation and what is learnt there

Early childhood from family (gender stereotypes)

Secondary socialisation

Teenage years through school (traditional sports and gender stereotypes promoted), media, and peer groups

Social control

Society encourages conformity through rules, law and media pressure

Social change

Long term change in attitudes/behaviour from law, media, campaigns

Causes of inequality

Money, lack of confidence (racism), myths (gender norms), limited access to facilities

Consequences of ineqaulity

Lower participation rates, poor health, social exclusion

Social structures

Organised institutions that shape opportunity

Social stratification

Division of society based on class, income, education

Impact of social class & schools

Middle class schools have facilities and extra curricular opportunities but working class schools have fewer opportunities and less funding

Social class influence on sport clubs and why

Middle/upper class (golf, tennis), working class (boxing, football) due to acsess and tradition

Social action theory

Focuses on how individuals behave within society and how people create social structures. Helps us understand how change to sports match the identities of those playing them and why certain groups face barriers to participation (stereotypes, discimination, prejudice)

Impact of sport on soceity

Health/economy (productivity, NHS), Social cohesion (Kick it Out)

Impact of society on sport

Socialisation (what sport we play), commercialisation/Golden Triangle, Historical influence (church)

How can sport act as a vehicle for change

Campaigns, NGBs change policies, role models

Discrimination

Unfair treatment (overtly/covertly) based on group membership

Sterotypting

Generalised beleifs about groups

Prejudice

Pre-judged negative opinions based off inadequate facts

Benefits to raising participation

Health, social, economic

Health benefits to raising participation

Raised self esteem, reduced risk of chronic disease, less strain on NHS

Social benefits to raising participation

Improved social skills, reduced crime, improved community cohesion

Economic benefits to raising particpation

Spending on healthy pursuits, ‘leisure-spend’ boosts economy, productivity

Fitness benefits to raising participation

Cardiac hypertrophy, increased tidal volume, increased lactate threshold/OBLA

Underrepresented groups

Disabled, Ethnic group, Gender, Disadvantaged

Generic solutions

Increased media coverage, marketing/communication (social media publicise opportunities), legal protection/education programmes, financial subsidies and sponsorships, taster sessions

Gender barriers

Social stereotypes/sexism, lack of role models, demands on time, gender socialisation

Gender solutions

Increased media coverage, formal partnerships (elite leagues x officials), legal protection, supportive networks (This Girl Can)

Socio-economic disadvantage barriers

Lack of disposable income, facility access, psychological factors (self esteem)

Socio economic solutions

Subsidies/discounts (Sport England), Community initiatives (free coaching), sponsorship from businesses, targeted investment

Disability barriers

High technology cost, lack of adapted facilities

Disability solutions

Technology advancement (material technology = adapted equipment), inclusive programming, rules/equipment adjustments

Ethnic minorities bariers

Discrimination, prejudice, stereotyping

Ethnic minorities solution

Legislative enforcement, Specialist organisations provide expert help to local providers (Sporting Equals), social media campaigns

Sport England

Lottery funded hub distributes resources to projects to increase participation

Who provides expertise and standards and who provides community access/tailored environments

NGBs and Local authorities

Who do NGBs interact with/utilise

Sport England, specialist groups, media/business

Who do local authorities interact with/utilise

Sport England, sport clubs, local businesses

NGBs x Sport England

Standardardised rules, coaching frameworks, develop pathways

Specialists groups in NGBs example

PGMOL partner with leagues to develop under-represented officials

Media/business in NGBS

Raises profile of sports/role models using the golden triangle

Local authorities x Sport England

Offer subsidies, family discounts, free taster sessions

Sport clubs in local authorites

Improve facilities/coaches for grassroots participation for a variety of people

Local businesses in local authorities

Sponsor kits or equipment