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 stereotypes or prejduices

Sterotypting

Generalised beliefs about a person because they belong to a group

Prejudice

Pre-judged negative opinions based off inadequate facts

Benefits to raising participation

Health, social, economic

Health benefits to raising participation

Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, Reduced obesity, Decreased risk of a stroke

Social benefits to raising participation

Make new friends, Prevents loneliness, Improved confidence/self esteem, Improved social skills

Economic benefits to raising particpation

Reduced NHS cost, Increased productivity, Job creation in the sport sector

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

Stereotypes, lack of media coverage, Lack of role models, lack of sponsorship, lack of leisure time, fewer role models

Gender solutions

Increased media coverage to create more role models, more sponsorship/full time opportunities, education to overcome stereotypes, laws/legislation to punish discrimination

Socio-economic disadvantage barriers

Lack of disposable income, facility access, lack of role models in some sports, lack of transport, sterotypes/discimination

Socio economic solutions

Community initiatives (free coaching), sponsorship from businesses, targeted campaigns/funding, local club development of facilities, coaching/education to create role models

Disability barriers

Lack of access to facilities, lack of access to specialist equipment, limited availability of coaches/clubs, discrimination, lack of role models, lack of sponsorship

Disability solutions

Improve access to adapted facilities, Increase funding for sport programmes, Train more disability specific coaches, Education to change attitudes through campaigns, Adapted competitions/participation pathways

Ethnic minorities bariers

Lack role models, Conflict with culture/religion, concern over racism/discrimination, priorities other than sport

Ethnic minorities solution

Training of ethnic minorities coaches, adapt clothing, highlight ethnic minority role models, Education on discrimination, Punishment of discrimination,

Effectiveness of strategies

Possibility for negative media coverage puts people off, Funding is limited and temporary so is it best way to spend it?, deep rooted attitudes take more then campaigns to change, strategies can fail to reach target groups

Sport England and methods (CCEE)

Lottery funded hub distributes resources to projects to increase participation. Club development increase participation, Coaching development improves standard, Education campaigns on importance of fitness/health, Equality campaigns allows under represented groups to participate

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

Provide right facilities in right places, Coaching increase role models, Support unlocking of funding, Increase participation through education against discrimination

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