Soc 27 Engagement Patterns In Sport

Question 1

Which gender participate more in sport, Men or Women? 4 points

Answer 1

• Women’s participation levels are increasing. However, there are still fewer women
  participating in sport than men.
• 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

How does Age affect someone’s ability to play sport?

Answer 2

• Age can affect a person’s ability to participate in certain activities
  (rugby might be too demanding for an
  elderly person)
• 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.

Question 3

Do you have more chance of becoming an elite athlete if you come from a wealthy
family?

Answer 3

• People are less likely to participate in sport if they come from a low 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,

Question 4

Can someone’s Ethnicity and religion impact their participation in sport?

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.
• Racism is still an issue in sport despite huge efforts to promote racial equality.

Question 5

Are people with a disability less likely to participate in sport?

Answer 5

• People with disabilities take part in many sporting activities. Opportunities for disabled people in sport are increasing.
• Unable to compete in certain activities/less clubs available.
• Solutions: - Adapted activities (wheelchair basketball)

Question 6

Who influenced you to participate in sport?

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.