chapter 1: Why study sports as social phenomena? Flashcards
What does “society” mean
“Society” means the organized relationships and institutions among a large group, not just a simple collection of individuals (Giddens & Sutton, 2017).
How does sport play a role as a common sense social lubricant in Canadian society?
Sport is a popular and pleasurable everyday topic of conversation among Canadians, acting as a common sense social lubricant, facilitating interactions and discussions about various sporting events, teams, and players.
What does “democratization” mean in the context of sport?
“Democratization” in the context of sport refers to the process of change towards greater social equality, where individuals have the right to participate in sports regardless of their social characteristics, and the right to influence the forms and meanings of participation (Donnelly & Harvey, 2007).
How has sports participation evolved for certain groups
Groups historically excluded from sports, like Indigenous peoples and LGBTQ+ communities, are now finding more opportunities to participate, indicating a move towards inclusivity.
What are some key factors contributing to the inequalities in sports participation?
Gender, race, income, age, and location.
How does sport shape and influence the social world?
Sport is shaped by society and, in turn, shapes society. It’s a dynamic interplay between sports and the broader societal context.
What are some social and environmental issues associated with sports?
Discrimination, athlete exploitation, drug use, and environmental damage are some of the social and environmental issues related to the sports industry.
How does the text suggest we approach our ideas about sport and society?
to critically analyze our assumptions about sports and society to better understand their roles and impacts.
What is sociology?
Sociology is the study of how humans interact in society and examines social structures, power relations, and institutions.
What does the sociology of sport focus on?
The sociology of sport studies the relationship between sport and society, including its role in social and cultural aspects.
What are some aims of the sociology of sport?
It aims to critically examine the role and meaning of sport in people’s lives, analyze societal influences on sport, and contribute to policy for improving global sport processes.
What does “practical consciousness” refer to?
“Practical consciousness” is our beliefs about sport and society from experiences, open to change with new experiences and information.
How does the sociology of sport challenge assumptions about youth sports?
It questions the dominant “power and performance” model of youth sports and explores alternative ways to organize sports based on different values and principles.
When did scientific research in the field of sociology of sport begin to emerge?
In the 1960s.
How does the sociology of sport view the relationship between sport and society?
It examines how sport is a central part of social and cultural life in various societies.
How does Canadian sport differ from sport in the United States and globally?
Canadian sport has unique aspects due to differences in history, social relations, government structure, social services, and cultural values.
Which sports are often thought of as distinctly Canadian cultural forms?
Hockey, curling, cross-country and alpine skiing, and snowboarding.
How do major sporting events like the Olympics contribute to Canadian cultural identity?
They contribute to a distinctive Canadian cultural identity by being mythologized and representing the country on a global stage.
What does the text emphasize about Canadian sport identities?
Canadian sport identities, like hockey being a national sport, are not simply natural extensions of the Canadian environment and are subject to debate.
How is “sport” defined?
Any organized, competitive activity that involves physical exertion or complex skills governed by standardized rules enforced by a regulatory body.
What is the concept of “institutionalization” in sport?
It refers to how specific versions of sport become dominant and accepted, shaping how sport is played and understood.
How is “informal sport” different from “formal sport”?
Informal sport involves self-initiated physical activities with no fixed start or stop times, no tangible outcomes, and no dominant focus on victory or rewards.
How is sport socially constructed and shaped by society?
Sport evolves through generations, shaped by history and society, and its meaning can differ based on culture and time.
Why is understanding social construction important in studying sport?
It helps us recognize that sport and its definitions are not fixed but constantly changing, influenced by social interactions, historical context, and cultural perspectives.
Why is “physical culture” included alongside “sport”?
It shows how sport/activity are connected to culture, and important in understanding sports in society.
How is the physical body viewed in sociology, particularly in relation to power and domination?
The physical body is seen not only as a biological entity but also a social and cultural one, with attention to its role in power dynamics and forms of domination.
