Sociology of Sport Review for Finals

Debwewin

A personal truth that is rooted in one’s heart.

Sociology of Sport

A sub-discipline of sociology and physical education that studies sport as a social phenomenon and its meaning, purpose, and organization.

Social Worlds

Identifiable spheres of everyday actions and relationships that constitute identifiable ways of life.

Culture

Shared ways of life and understanding developed by people as they live together.

Social Interaction

The process where people take each other into account and influence each other’s feelings, thoughts, and actions.

Social Structure

Established patterns of relationships and social arrangements shared among people.

Physical Culture

Forms of movements and physical activities created and sustained by people in social worlds.

Diversity

Composed of differing elements; a variety of similarities and differences.

Inclusion

Giving equal access to opportunities and resources for all.

Equity

Fair treatment and access for all individuals while identifying and eliminating barriers.

Belonging

The feeling of being accepted within social settings.

Critical Race Theory

Analyzes how social laws and media shape conceptions of race and ethnicity.

Critical Feminist Theory

Examines femininity beyond patriarchy; asserts that women are individuals with agency.

Cultural Sport Theory

• Focuses on how people understand their bodies and experiences in relation to sport.

• Concepts used: values, norms, beliefs, ideas, ideologies

• Example: Imagery and narratives used in men’s and women’s sports 

Interactionist Sport Theory

• Investigates social interactions and relationships in the context of sport

• Concepts used: interaction, socialization, role models

• Example: gender equity in school sports, symbols, and gender 

Structural Sport Theory

• Examines the impact of social organization and access to power and resources

• Concepts used: status, roles, authority, power, relations 

• Example: gender equity in school sports, symbols, and gender

Absolutist Approach

Assumes that social norms are based on essential principles defining good and evil.

Constructionist Approach

Considers deviance as falling outside socially determined boundaries.

The 4 Principles of Sport Ethic

1. Dedication to the game 

2. Acceptance to risks and playing through pain  

3. Strive for distinction 

4. Accept no obstacles in the pursuit of success

Ableist Ideology

Beliefs that identify individuals as inferior based on physical or intellectual disabilities.

Ageism

Discrimination against certain age groups in social and cultural contexts.

Impairment

A condition that limits a person's full participation in environments.

Disability

An evolving concept resulting from interactions between impairments and barriers in society.

Intersectionality

The overlapping effects of multiple forms of discrimination in individuals' lives.

Hegemonic Femininity

Traits defined as womanly that uphold a hierarchical relation to masculinity.

Gender Ideology

Beliefs used to define masculinity and femininity and influence social relationships.

4 factors that influence gender construct

1. Norms 

2. Hierarchy and Intersectionality  

3. Gender interacts but it is different from sex 

4. Gender influences people’s experiences and across to resources

Politics

Processes of organizing social power and decision-making affecting people's lives.

Government

Formal organizations with the authority to make and enforce rules.

Power

The ability to influence behavior and events.

Authority

Legitimate power held by individuals or groups.

Role of government in sport

1. Safeguard public order

2. Ensure fairness and protection of Human rights - Canadian Human Charter of Rights (1982)

3. Health and fitness maintenance 

4. Promote recognition and prestige of community/nation

5. Promote nation-building 

6. Reaffirm dominant political ideology 

7. Increase support for political leaders and gov

8. Promote economic development

Ableism

discrimination in favor of nondisabled people

Orthodox Gender Ideology

Ideas and beliefs associated with an inflexible 2-sex, or binary, approach system of classifying all humans into 2 non-overlapping categories