MF

Nov 12 - Deviance in Sport

Introduction to Deviance in Sport

  • Course: Kine 2079

  • Instructor: Nicole Lee

  • Date: November 12, 2024

Defining Deviance

  • Deviance occurs when actions, ideas, or traits fall outside societal acceptance.

  • Perception of deviance varies based on observers.

Defining Deviance in Sport

  • Encompasses a range of behaviors.

  • No single theory explains acts of deviance in sporting contexts.

Characteristics of Deviance in Sport

  • Societal Norm Violation: Deviance includes behaviors that strafe normal rules, values, and norms.

  • Variability in Acceptance: Some types of deviance are accepted, tolerated, or even celebrated within specific contexts of sport.

Types of Deviance in Sport

  • Official Deviance: Violations of rules/laws punished by authorities.

  • Unwritten Deviance: Violations of informal customs punished by peers.

Examples of Deviance: Individuals with Disabilities

  • Stereotypes portray typical-function individuals as more valuable, labeling those with disabilities as deviant.

  • Athletes with disabilities often viewed as inspirational yet deviate from prevailing athletic norms.

Notable Example: Chantal Petitclerc

  • Achievements: 5 gold medals at Athens Paralympics; unique recognition mindset illustrating focus on disabled athletes.

  • Perspective: Recognized key accomplishments as deviant behaviors in the context of mainstream achievements.

The “Real” Olympics vs. Paralympic Games

  • Discussion on the societal perception of the 'real' Olympics vs Paralympics, influenced by those in the able-bodied community.

The Paralympics

  • Historical exclusion of athletes with disabilities modifying rules against them, particularly targeting intellectual disabilities.

Positive Deviance in Athletes

  • Sometimes, over-enthusiastic adherence to norms leads to problematic behaviors, termed positive deviance.

  • Examples: Health sacrifices for success or the calculated risk of doping.

Additional Examples of Positive Deviance

  • Reactions to team celebrations such as drinking and smoking by Canadian athletes; reflects relative gender expectations in sports.

References

  • Scherer, J., & Wilson, B. (Eds.). (2020). Sport and Physical Culture in Canadian Society (2nd ed.). Pearson.