Agency & Structure And Reflection, reproduction & resistance

Question 1

Baker defines Agency as:

Answer 1

The capacity of an individual to make their own independent and free choices

Question 2

Baker defines structure as:

Answer 2

The recurrent patterned arrangements which influence and limit choice or opportunities available

Question 3

Marx on A vs S

Answer 3

Men make their own history but not as they please, they do so under the circumstances given and encountered from the past

Question 4

Giddens on A & S:

Answer 4

Societies only exist as far as they are created and then recreated by our own actions as human beings

Question 5

Three points on sport as a reflection theory of society:

Answer 5

1. Sport reflects society/ is a mirror of society
2. Look at gender and race roles within society to show the obvious nature of this theory
3. Through sport, individuals learned how to become members of their social systems

Question 6

Three points on sport as a reproductive theory of society

Answer 6

1. Sport helped reproduce dominant social and cultural relations in society
2. Only characterises a one way relationship between sport and society
3. Individuals are rendered as passive agents

Question 7

How can sport be reproductive in society?

Answer 7

If sport is being used to teach people how to become members of their societal system, this can continually reinforce the social structures in which they exist

Question 8

Three points on sport as a resistive mechanism in society:

Answer 8

1. People can challenge reproductive forces
2. Resistance theory captures a dynamic two way relationship between agency and structure
3. Individuals are seen as active, reflexive agents

Question 9

Three ways that individuals are seen as reflexive, active agents in reliance theory:

Answer 9

1. Might consciously value sport in their lives and be aware of the ruling groups looking to use sport as a measure of control
2. Have the capacity to change conditions under which they participate and recognise and then change the conditions that maintain their subordination
3. Their actions may have a negative effect and further reinforce their conditions on subordination