Soc26: Socio-cultural influences Flashcards
The 6 Socio-cultral influences
Age, gender, socio-economical group, ethnicity, disability and influence of others
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
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.
Socio-economical groups
- 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 ( eg shirt/clothing sponsors)
Media
The main means of mass communication (tv, radio and internet)
3 Advantages of Commercialisation
Encourages people to get involved in sports, promotion of elite level sport benefits grass roots sports and promotes a healthy lifestyle
3 disadvantages of commercialisation
Sponsors determine when and where events are put on excluding some people, audiences may have experience interupted by ads and seats and products become very expensive
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.
Positive deviance
deviance where there is no intention to cause harm or break the rules.
Sportsmanship
qualities of fairness, following the rules, being gracious in defeat or victory.
