Gender Socialisation and social issues and social stratification

Question 1

Social control

Answer 1

Society is made up of various institutions, with the family viewed as the most basic unit. These institutions work together for the benefit of society, maintaining order and social control

• in society there are various social processes at work which act as constraints and potentially limit the opportunities to be involved in sport
• historically our society has been male dominated, with restrictions placed on women engaging in sport. However nowadays the constraints are less pronounced, however milder forms of social control exists in the form and what is deemed to be gender appropriate behaviour
• for example: male partners may persuade women to limit their physical activity to what they view is ‘respectable’ and therefore ‘socially acceptable’. So they may choose badminton over boxing or aerobics over rugby

Question 2

Social control

Answer 2

• The ruling out of certain sports requiring muscular development which is seen as unfeminine such as boxing, weightlifting and rugby
• social control from peers or the media to look ‘feminine’ and maintain a slim appearance
• Women are made to feel guilty about leaving a young baby and therefore tend to give up previous leisure activities
• A lack of free time compared to men and lower disposable income can also act as agents of social control as it decreases the opportunities for women to involve themselves in regular healthy sporting activities

Question 3

Social change

Answer 3

Sport England active people survey indicates that 40.6% of men compare to 30.7% of women took part in sport at least once a week. This confirms the sport participation inequalities existed when comparing women to men.
-it is very difficult for any social group to bring about change without having strong influences in the decision-making groups i.e. local councils and NGB’s

Question 4

Social change occurs when institutions re-adjust to meet ‘new needs’ of groups in society such as women

Answer 4

-

Question 5

Social change - examples

Answer 5

-and alteration in the social order of society
> gender inequalities: creches to allow women to use the gym
>Ethnic inequalities: certain ethnic groups suffered from a focus on academia and work rather than sport (Indian/Pakistanis)
> disabled inequalities: socio-economic inequalities

Question 6

Social issues – inequality

Answer 6

-Many people dream of a society where all members are equal and there is no ranking of people in terms of prestige, power, wealth et cetera

Question 7

Main causes of inequality

Answer 7

• lack of money, cost of participation
• lack of self confidence/self-esteem
• lack of role models/coaches/leaders or people of responsibility
• myths or stereotypes about ability-Women, ethnic minorities or disabled people

Question 8

Memory tool

Answer 8

MR/MC

M-MONEY
R-ROLE MODELS
M-MYTHS
C-CONFIDENCE

Question 9

Define social issues-

Answer 9

Problems that affect many people in society

Question 10

Define Inequality-

Answer 10

The unfair situation where resources or opportunities are distributed unevenly within society

Question 11

Social structures and stratification

Answer 11

• A number of different social structures exist which have an impact both positively or negatively on an individuals and their overall life choices
• When linked with sport, the type of school you go to e.g. state or private affect the activities you get to try out as well as the amount of time devoted to sport/facilities available
• The importance of stratification is that those at the top of the system have a greater access to resources than those at the bottom
• in some ways, participation in sport means participants can leave behind their ‘normal lives’ and adapt to a ‘new identity’ in a sporting context
• The reality’s of ‘real world’ and peoples relative position in the social class hierarchy do affect their involvement in sport. For example, disposable income can affect the way you play

Question 12

Social class/stratification and school

Answer 12

• what are the national curriculum PE aims to offer all young people abroad a balance program it is evident some young people may be tagged as a result of social inequality
• Low income results to poorer health results to leading to poor sporting performance
• Low income leads to less to spend on equipment which leads to coaching state schools situated in more efficient areas often have better sports facilities

Question 13

Social classes sports clubs

Answer 13

-social class: activities may be negatively affected by working-class expectations for example carrying out domestic responsibilities, lacking after siblings, household chores

Question 14

Sports clubs

Answer 14

• economic inequalities are also likely to impact on members of sports clubs, more middle and upper-class
• The social stratification system continues to be visible in sports with a number of sectors or groups of society identity fired by sport England as under represented in terms of sport involvement e.g. ethnic minority groups or individuals of a disability

Question 15

Define social structures

Answer 15

Organised patterns of social relationships and institutions that make up society; class