Soc 23 - Socio-economic Group

Question 1

Gender

Answer 1

• The idea that some sports are more ‘male’ and others more ‘female’ has mostly disappeared but still some sports offer more opportunities to one sex over the other
• For example, a boy who loves netball may struggle to find a team while women’s cricket, football and rugby are less popular than the male’s version
• Overall in the UK a greater proportion of men than women play sport - 40.7% of men as opposed to 31.2% of women.

Question 2

Age

Answer 2

• In most sports it is good to start young, although some competitive events may have age restrictions. For example, the minimum age to run the London Marathon is 18
• Work and family responsibilities as health problems may prevent an adult from participation
• Some activities may lend themselves to being more suitable for younger people such as gymnastics. Others may lend themselves to older people

Question 3

Socio-economic group

Answer 3

• Socio-economic groups are generalisations but they can say something about a person’s chance to access sport or physical activity
• Most activities have associated costs e.g. hire of facilities, lessons, equipment and clothing. Some are very expensive while others are not
• Your socio-economic group can influence the type of sport you get involved in. Sports like polo, rowing and lacrosse are seen as ‘middle class’ activities whilst football and boxing are thought to be ‘working class’.

Question 4

Ethnicity

Answer 4

• Ethnicity refers to a population whose members identify with each other and are united by common cultural, linguistic or religious traits
• It can influence whether we play sport, what we choose to play and what sports we succeed in
• In countries like Fiji, Tonga and Samoa rugby is part of their culture. On the other hand, there has been racist abuse against non-white players most notably in football.

Question 5

Disability

Answer 5

• People with disabilities take part in many sporting activities. Opportunities for disabled people in sport are increasing
• However, more availability is still needed in schools and at a local level
• The media coverage of the 2012 Paralympics attracted record crowds which has encouraged many people to get in sport locally.

Question 6

Influence of other people

Answer 6

• Most people’s choice of activity is influenced by others. People tend to choose the same activities as their friends or family members
• People of the same age, social-economic class and interests are likely to participate in similar activities
• Successful sports people may become role models, inspiring others to take up their sport.