Soc27- Engagement Oatterns In Soort

Question 1

Which gender participate more in sport, men or women?

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.
• Work and family responsibilities and 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

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, 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

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.
- 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.
- Religious services on a Sunday.

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)
• 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.
• More role models in society.

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.