Definitions Flashcards
sociology
the scientific study of social behaviour, its origins, development, organization, and institutions.
sociology of sport
a field in a sub discipline of sociology that studies sports as parts of social and cultural life
sport
institutionalized competitive activities that involve vigorous physical exertion or the use of relatively complex physical skills by individuals whose participation is motivated by a combination of personal enjoyment and external rewards
sociological imagination
the ability to go beyond ones immediate life issues and troubles and connect them to society’s broader characteristics
comparative sensitivity
learning how a sport has been socially constructed according to different meanings and forms in various cultures
critical sensitivity
a willingness to think and act critically
agency
the ability of a group to act independently in a goal-directed manner and to pursue their own free choice
power
the ability to get things done
hegemony
- political or cultural dominance or authority over others
- hegemony of the popular kids over other students means that they determine what is and what isn’t cool
- comes from Greek “hegemon” meaning “leader”
cartel
a group of two or more firms that formally agree to coordinate their production and pricing decisions to maximize profit
monopoly
market with only one seller
monopsony
market with only one buyer (MLB, NHL, NBA, NFL)
lockout
an employer-imposed work stoppage that suspends all games and practices until the dispute is resolved and the CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) is revised to the owners’ (and players’) satisfaction
strike
a work stoppage in which employees refuse to work until a labor dispute is resolved and the players (and owners) agree to sign a new CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement)
social stratification
- refers to structured forms of economic inequalities that are part of the organization of everyday life
- these inequalities influence opportunities to meet personal goals (education, sport, occupation etc.)
the American dream
a hopeful vision of boundless opportunities for individuals to succeed economically and live a happy life based on consumption
meritocracy
a form of social organization in which rewards go to people who earn them due to their abilities and qualifications
functionalism
a theory of society that focuses on the structures that create the society and on how the society is able to remain stable
symbolic interactionism
looks at how every individual will give everything in their society a different meaning depending on their past experiences and expectations
conflict theory
observes how the unrest in a society will cause it to change and evolve to relieve the tension
critical theory
- combination, reflection, and development of conflict theory and symbolic interactionism (includes critical race theory)
- humans interpret and give meaning to the world and in doing so, challenge dominant ways of doing things
feminist theory
champions the belief that women have rights and privileges of social life equal to men
violence
the use of excessive physical force, which causes or is intended to cause harm or destruction
aggression
verbal or physical actions grounded in an intent to dominate, control, or do harm to another person
intimidation
words, gestures, and actions that threaten violence or aggression
instinct theory
the fighting instinct in beast and man directed against others
frustration-aggression hypothesis
agression is a response to frustration
social learning theory
violence is not natural but learned through social process and cultural understandings
pygmalion effect and self-fulfilling prophesy
a false definition of the situation evokes a new behaviour which makes the original false conception come true
cultural pluralism
- refers to the approach our country takes with regard to receiving and welcoming immigrants
- Canada: we support newcomers in preserving their cultural identity
- melting pot USA: immigrants are expected to shed their unique cultural practices, adopt new ones based on the values and beliefs of the host country. Process of assimilation.
assimilation
when immigrants adopt the culture of the dominant group
whitestream
mainstream for white people
