Chapter 5a-Socio-cultural Influences Flashcards
Social groups
People who interact with one another, share similar characteristics and have a sense of unity/togetherness
Engagement patterns
Trends/tendencies in involvement
Stereotype
Widely held but fixed and oversimplified idea of a particular type of person
Barrier to participation
An obstacle that prevents a group within society from participating in sport or physical activity and therefore reduces overall levels of participation
Participation by women
Women are less likely to take part in sport due to stereotypical views/lack of media/lack of support/less facilities
Ethnic group
A community made up of people who share a common cultural background (racial, religious or cultural)
Ethnic groups (examples)
- Black caribbean
- Indian
- Pakistani
- Bangladeshi
- Black african
- Black ‘other’
Participation by ethnicity
Less people from ethnic minorities participate in sport due to sterotypical views/cultural expectations/lack of media coverage or role models
Socio-economic group
A group’s place within society; depends on a number of factors, including occupation, education, income, wealth and where they live
Post-school drop out
The reduction in participation levels in young adults after they leave full time education
Participation by socio-economic groups
They have less disposable income so may not take part in sport or can only take part in cheap sports eg football
Participation by age
All school children have to do PE, after they leave a lot of people stop doing sport (especially girls). Sports participation is lower in older people as they don’t have an adequate level of physical fitness. More young people are likely to be involved in team sport but more old people are likely to be involved in individual sport
Role model
A person looked up to by others as an example to be copied
Peer group
A group of people of approximately the same age, status and interests.
Effects on participation by friends and family
Can influence positively through support of a performer, (financially) by paying for kit or club fees, providing transport for matches or training, (emotionally) by watching and cheering the child on.
Parents can act as role models for their children.
A lack of family support can be a negative influence on participation
Effects of peer groups on participation
Peers exert pressure on friendship groups. There is a tendency to conform to the rest of the group. Can discourage peope from taking part. Can also encourage people to take part
Disability
A physical or mental condition that limits a person’s movements, senses or activities
Integration
Involving the full participation of all people in community life, but usually referring to disabled people
Adapted sports
Competitive sports for individuals with disabilities. While they often parallel existing sports played by able-bodied athletes, there may be some modifications in equiptment and rules to meet the needs of the participants
Discrimination
The unjust or prejudicial treatment of different groups of people, especially on the grounds of race, age or sex
Categories of disability
- Mobility impairments
- Sensory impairments
- Mental impairments
Benefits of integration
- Reduced possibilities of discrimination
- Less stereotyping
- Fewer barriers
Benefits or seperate opportunities/adapted sports
A greater range of opportunities through specifically designed programmes
Examples of adapted sports
- Boccia-A bowls type game, played at the paralympics and suitable for players of all abilities
- Goalball-An active court game for visually impaired or sighted players
Barriers to participation (examples)
- Attitudes
- Role models
- Accessibility-to clubs etc
- Media coverage
- Sexism/stereotyping
- Culture/religion/religious festivals
- Family commitments
- Available leisure time
- Familiarity
- Education
- Socio-economic factors/disposable income
- Adaptability/inclusiveness
Attitudes
An attitude is an opinion about something and means people have a tendency to respond in a certain way to something
Effects of attitude
Generally learnt from family and friends. A person with a negative attitude won’t take part but a person with a positive attitude will take part. Attitudes can be changed by convincing the person of the benefits of excercise.
Effects of role models
Role models tend to encourage participation in sport. Role models can be from a sport, from family or from a peer group.
Effects of accessibility
Some sports need particular facilities eg skiing so are hard to access. Some activities are not accessible because of cost or difficult transport.
Effects of media coverage
Usually has a positive effect on participation because it generates role models and encourages participation. A lack of media coverage of bad media coverage can have a negative effect on participation
Prejudice
Preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience
Effects of prejudice
May lead to reduced opportunities either through limited access or by individuals choosing not to play. Also ethnic minority groups tend to live in economically deprived areas so have less disposable income to spend on clubs etc
Effects of family commitments
Individuals may need to look after another member of their family and this may limit opportunities to participate in sport and physical activities
Leisure time
It is the time people have when they are not working, taking care of themselves or completing their family and home duties
Effects of leisure time
More leisure time should mean more time for sport but there are still many people who through choice or through necessity have limited leisure time due to other commitments
Effects of familiarity
Most people tend to get involved in something they already know. Children often choose to participate in the same sport as their parents or role models.
Effects of education
Compulsory physical education lessons give every child an introduction to activities that they may continue to participate in after leaving school
Effects of socio-economic groups
They have a lower disposable income to spend on leisure activities. Also they may have less leisure time if they need to work for longer hours. Some activities are associated with certain groups which may lead to discrimination or rejection.
Disposable income
Income available to be spent or saved as one wishes
