Chapter 2: Thinking Sociologically: Sport, Physical Culture, and Critical Theory Flashcards
What are the four major theoretical perspectives?
structural functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, and critical social theories.
How do these theoretical perspectives contribute to the understanding of sport and physical culture?
These theoretical perspectives offer different lenses through which to view and understand sport and physical culture, challenging common assumptions and providing varying insights into social life and experiences related to sport.
What is the significance of sociological theory in the discipline of sociology?
Sociological theory is the cornerstone of sociology, offering frameworks and ideas to analyze social aspects like sport. It helps us grasp the fundamental structures and dynamics of society.
How do theoretical perspectives in sociology relate to each other through sports?
they can work together to give us an understanding of social aspects like sports and physical culture.
What is sociological theory?
A way of understanding how people interact in society. It’s based on ideas about how society works and how people are a part of it.
What events led to sociology becoming a field of study?
Two main events helped create sociology: democratic revolutions (like the French and American revolutions) that changed how people were seen in society, and the Industrial Revolution that changed how things were made and where people lived and worked.
How does sociological theory deal with problems and communities?
Sociological theories try to solve problems like inequality and poverty. They also look at how communities form and how people relate to each other in society.
How does sport affect sociological theories?
Sport is always changing, so sociological theories need to change too. Sociologists use theories to understand how sports impact society, from both challenges and positive aspects.
What is structural functionalism?
Structural functionalism is a theory that looks at society as a complex system with various interconnected parts that work together to maintain stability and solidarity.
It’s a way of looking at society like a puzzle, where all the pieces work together to keep things stable and connected.
How did Charles Darwin’s ideas influence structural-functionalism?
Influenced the thinking that society also follows specific rules for growth and stability.
Who is known as the “father” of French sociology and why is he important?
Émile Durkheim is called the “father” of French sociology because he showed that actions like suicide are influenced by society’s rules, not just personal reasons.
What did Durkheim say about suicide from a sociological viewpoint?
Durkheim said suicide is not just an individual choice but is influenced by social factors and rules.
What does “social integration” mean according to Durkheim, and how is it linked to suicide rates?
Social integration means how connected people feel to each other in society. Durkheim found that more connectedness (integration) reduces the number of suicides.
What role does sport play according to structural functionalism?
Sport brings people together, making them feel united and supporting shared values. It’s fun, teaches skills, and keeps away negativity. It’s also a symbol of what a community values.
What are some functionalist assumptions about sports? (Hint: VIS)
Valuable: Sports are important and meaningful in society, serving essential roles for individuals and communities.
Inspiration: Sports inspire people by showcasing dedication and success, encouraging others to set goals and aim for excellence.
Shared Values: In sports, people learn to follow rules, show sportsmanship, and respect authority, which are vital values for a united society.
what are some limitations of functionalist theory and sports?
- Conservative: it tends to uphold and justify the existing social order and status quo.
It may downplay or ignore the need for change. - Assumes all elements are good. Oversimplifies the complexities of social structures, behavior’s and institutions.
Who was Karl Marx and what made him significant in history?
Karl Marx (1818–1883) was a prominent figure in history known for his radical theories and politics, which had a major impact on social thought, politics, and social movements.
Who is the central figure associated with the modern form of conflict sociology?
Karl Marx (1818–1883) is the central figure associated with the modern form of conflict sociology.
What was one of the key motivations behind Karl Marx’s political commitment and activism?
Harsh conditions of life experienced by people during the Industrial Revolution motivated Karl Marx’s political commitment and activism.
What are the three unique characteristics of Marx’s analysis of society and foundational ideas?
The three unique characteristics are: 1) recognition of economic conditions as the foundation of social life, 2) ability to synthesize economic conditions into a broader theory of social, cultural, and individual life, and 3) highlighting the role of social conflict in society and history.
What central idea is at the core of Marx’s theory about the relationship between economic conditions and social systems? (hint: economy and modes of production).
The main idea is how we make and share stuff (economy) shapes our society. Over time, different ways of doing this (modes of production) have shown up.
What is the primary insight Marx provided about the capitalist mode of production in his work “Capital,” published in 1867?
Marx’s fundamental idea is that there are two main groups in capitalism: the profit-makers (capitalists) and the laborers (workers). Even though workers seem accessible, their hard work mainly benefits those who make profits, creating a divide.
In sports, like in capitalism, team owners (capitalists) profit more from athletes’ hard work despite athletes being celebrated and appearing free. It mirrors the idea of profit-making capitalists and laboring workers in society.
In the context of labor under capitalism, what does Marx mean by “alienated labor”?
Marx’s “alienated labor” means when workers don’t feel the full rewards or value of their hard work, making them feel disconnected and undervalued.
According to Marx, what were the consequences of the emergence of different economic forms throughout history?
Different economic forms led to the emergence of distinct classes based on control over economic resources and means of production, resulting in conflicts between these classes.
what does conflict theory emphasize?
the role of power, inequalities, and social conflicts
What does conflict theory help us understand?
How power imbalances, competition for resources, and social inequalities manifest within the sporting realm.
what does conflict their believe society is divided into?
Society (especially capitalist society) is divided into (unequal) social classes. Because of the inequality, there is social conflict between the classes.
Assumptions of viewing sport through a conflict theory lens.
distorted by capital; class inequality.
Examples:
Opiates: In the world of painkillers (opiates), the powerful side is the companies that make and sell these drugs and the healthcare systems that prescribe and give them to people.
Commercialization: can be seen in the ownership of teams, leagues, broadcasting rights, and sponsorship.
limitations of conflict theory.
- “economically determined” which refers to the idea that conflict theory often places a heavy emphasis on economic factors as the primary drivers of social conflict and inequalities within the sporting world.
- no other factors
- no positives
Who is considered a major figure in the foundation of sociology besides Durkheim and Marx?
Max Weber (1864–1920).
How did Weber’s theory of modern capitalism differ from Marx’s?
Weber saw capitalism as influenced by culture and ideas. Marx focused on money and class struggles.
How does goal-rational action manifest in the realm of sport?
High-performance athletes undertake carefully calculated training regimens aimed at achieving long-term goals, often overshadowing the play element and spontaneous movement seen in children’s play.
What did Weber believe the emergence of 17th-century ascetic Puritanism led to in terms of human action?
Weber believed it led to a greater emphasis on “goal-rational action,” involving calculated and rationalized means to achieve specific goals.
What are the significant aspects highlighted in conflict theory concerning sport?
How sport reinforces power structures, conflicts, and changes within sporting organizations, and the consequences of pushing the boundaries of human performance.
