Soc 26- Socio Cultural Influences Flashcards
What are the 6 factors?
.Gender
. Age
. Socio-economic group
. Ethnicity
. Disability
. Influence of other people
Gender
- 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.
Age
- 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
Socio-economic group
- 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’.
Ethnicity
- 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.
Disability
- 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.
Influence of other people
- 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.
Commercialisation
Making something available on the market; using something to make a profit.
Media
The main means of mass communication (television, radio, newspapers and internet.)
What is the ‘golden triangle’
Sports, media and business
Advantages of commercialisation:
- Individual sports people and sports clubs can
become rich and famous. - Brings sport to a wider audience, so raises awareness.
- May encourage more people to get involved for the first time.
Disadvantages of commercialisation:
- Seat prices for events may be too expensive for many people
- Audiences may find their enjoyment of sport interrupted or spoiled, through advertising breaks.
- Product promotion by successful sportspeople can make people want high-priced products they can’t afford.
Deviance
Behaviour that falls outside the norms or what is thought to be acceptable; goes against the moral values or laws of the sport.
Negative deviance
Deviance that has a detrimental effect, where the rules are broken.
Positive deviance
Deviance where there is no intention to cause harm or break the rules.
