Social Action Theory Flashcards
What is the social action theory?
- A way of viewing socialisation, emphasising the active roles people have in shaping society/social life.
- Accepts that sport is produced and developed at a particular time through the relationships and social networks of people who share similar views.
- The links between these people and their social interdependence.
- Stresses that people can intervene in social processes and change them.
What is the interactionist approach?
- The study of how individuals behave within society. It’s a theoretical process which stems from social processes.
- Interactionism works from the individual towards society and stresses the fact that it is -people who actually create society.
- For interactionists, social institutions such as sports clubs are seen not as separate from people, but as the product of the interactions of various people involved.
What is the interactionist approach in sports?
- The theory is mainly concerned with peoples experiences of sports people and how they interact with each other in social groups, and in turn how they affect external social factors.
- Helps us understand how to change sports to match the perspectives and identities of those playing.
What is equal opportunities?
The right to access the same opportunities, regardless of factors such as race, age, sex, mental or physical abilities.
What is prejudice?
To form an unfavourable opinion of an individual, often based on inadequate facts.
What is discrimination?
The unfair treatment of a person, or kminority group; to make a distintion and act on prejudice.
What is overt discrimination?
Visible/obvious (e.g., verbal racist abuse of players)
What is covert discrimination?
Hidden/less obvious (e.g., non-selection of an individual as captain beacuse of their race)
What is Sport England’s equality and diversity policy?
- They believe that sporting opportunities should be open to all and they are all commited to:
…developing a culture that enables and values everyones full involvement.
…creating an environment in which everyone has opportunities to play, comete, officiate, volunteer and run community sport.
…overcoming potential barriers for those wishing to play sport, especially those who are under represented in sport.
What are the benefits of participation?
- Improve health and fitness
- Reduces blood pressure
- Lowers feelings of stress, anxiety and depression
- Strain on NHS is reduced
- Lower obesity levels
- Meeting new people
- Making new friendsSense of community integration
- Higher levels of self confidence
- Positive use of free time
- Reduces crime rates
- Less annual sickness absence costs
- Economically beneficial for the country - more money spent on equipment/facilities.
Data on sports participation.
- Sport England’s data on sports participation has shown some improvements since it started its bi-annual Active People survey surveyrs in 2005-6.
- In 2015 the numbers had risen by 1.4 million since 2005-6.
- However, 58% of adults were still reported not to take part in it.
What are the 6 barriers to participation and what are the solutions to them
- Lack of time - add physical activity to their daily routine.
- Negative influences, poor PE experiences - Invite family and friends to exercise with you/clubs/DOE
- Lack of motivation - Invite friends/join a club or exercise class
- Lack of skill - select activities that require less skills (walking/jogging)
- Lack of resources/cost of participation - activites that require few facilities; walking, jogging, skipping.
- Family obligations/domestic responsibilities - exercise with children.
What are the 3 main target groups?
- The groups that need focusing on in terms of barriers to participation are:
…People with disabilities
…Individuals with ethnic minorities
…Women/teenage girls.
