Sociological theory applied to equal opportunities- Key terms, Definitions of key Terminology and Social action theory

Question 1

Define Society and Social Control

Answer 1

Society= A group of People with common interests living within an ordered community setting for a specific purpose.

Social control= A Social process in which individual attitudes and behaviors are regulated via society’s values, with social change also influencing how an individual behaves within society.

Question 2

Define what is meant by Primary and Secondary socialisation

Answer 2

The lifelong learning norms, values and roles to earn in a place in society.

Primary= From immediate family

Secondary= From Media, Friendship groups and Schools (Teachers/Coaches)

Question 3

Explain how secondary socialisation within schools can influence children in sport. [2 marks]

Answer 3

[AO2 = 2]

•    Teachers influence the adoption of positive/negative key values (1)
•    Teacher/sports coach influences choice through their own enthusiasm (1)
•    Channelling/demographic influences sports played (1)
•    Peer group preferences leads to following others/complying with social norms (1)

Accept other appropriate examples of how schools influence secondary socialisation of children in sport.

[2]

Question 4

Define Stratification and Social change

Answer 4

Social change= Significant changes in social behaviours and/or cultural values over time, leading to long-term effects.

Stratification= is a type of social inequality / division associated to characteristics of wealth or status

Question 5

Define Social issues and Prejudice

Answer 5

Prejudice= A preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience.

Social issues= Problems affecting people within a society

Question 6

Distinguish between the terms social control and social issues.

(Total 2 marks)

Answer 6

Social control

• Regulating people’s thoughts / feelings / appearance / behaviour

Social issues

• Problems affecting people within a society

Question 7

Describe, using examples, what you understand by the term social stratification.

(Total 2 marks)

Answer 7

Stratification

* Society divided into different levels

* Based on characteristics of wealth

An example of social stratification is when house prices/rent increase in areas that recieve investment. Specifically, the average price of rose significantly in East London following the Olympic games.

Question 8

Some schools have skiing clubs. They take students on skiing trips abroad in the winter.

Explain why social stratification can affect participation rates in skiing. [3 marks]

Answer 8

•    Those with increased wealth will be able to buy equipment to ski, compared to less wealthy (1)
•    Increased wealth will allow individuals to travel to ski resorts (1)
•    Those individuals that are able to participate in skiing because of wealth are more likely to compete in competitions / have coaching / lessons or become elite athletes (1)
•    Lower participation rates from lower / working class people due to perception that skiing is a middle / upper class activity (1)

Accept the reverse of all points above.

Accept any other appropriate explanations of why social stratification can affect participation rates in skiing.

Question 9

Describe the main concepts of social action theory. [4 marks]

Answer 9

• Social action theory considers how sport can impact society (1).
• Society is created by social interaction/interactionalist theory (1).
• By interacting with others, people create organisations e.g. schools/clubs/campaign groups (1).
• These organisations influence people/shape wider society, eg expecting people to obey the rules of the organisation/decreasing racism (1).
• Interactions lead to change in the social processes that exist (1).
• Social institutions are the product of the interaction of the people with and within the institution (1).
• Promotes sports becoming more democratic/preventing the dominance of one group (1).
• Individual motives/meanings for sports participation can vary (1).

Accept any other appropriate description of social action theory. Maximum 4 marks

Question 10

Give an example of a movement or organisation that relates to social action theory

Answer 10

BLM

Kick it out

Football fans outrage about the European Super league

Juan mata’s common goal movement

Question 11

Suggest how stereotyping has affected the participation of ethnic minority groups in sporting activities in the UK. [3 marks]

Answer 11

DR GAS FIRED MC CASS

Award one mark for each of the following points (max 3 marks):

• Myth of being suited / not being suited to certain types of sport

e.g. cricket - Pakistanis / athletics – Afro-Caribbean / badminton – Asian etc

• Therefore channelled / directed at an early age / school / clubs / reduces participation
• Considered less capable than other ethnic groups of succeeding at administrative / high level / not given jobs in NGB’s / managerial positions
• Therefore not given central roles in sport teams / centrality theory / stacking / decision making roles
• Separated to form own leagues

Question 12

Describe ways in which some social groups such as women, those with a disability or disadvantaged groups are discriminated against in sport. [4 marks]

Answer 12

DR GAS FIRED MC CASS

• Stereotyping
• Restrictive membership clauses / not allowed to join clubs / teams
• Fewer competitions / coaching provision / facilities / e.gs. crèches / ramps
• Financial restrictions / cannot afford
• Racism / sexism / verbal abuse
• Less tournament earnings / less funding / sponsorship;
• Less media coverage / lack of role models / less in positions of power / decision making

[4]

Question 13

The aim of Sport England is to increase the participation rates of all groups in society, by removing barriers to participation.

Explain how stereotyping and inclusiveness have impacted on participation rates for people with disabilities.

(Total 4 marks)

Answer 13

DR GAS FIRED MC CASS

Stereotyping

Participation rates low

Image that sport for disabled people is unsafe

Disability sport involve low standards of performance / unable / incapable to perform / reduced confidence of disabled

Restricts disabled people to certain sports / has led to discrimination

Sub max 3 marks

Could be positive due to channelling

Idea that inclusiveness has had a positive impact

Inclusiveness

Increase in participation

Equal opportunity policies developed

Led to new and adapted sports / specialist facilities / coaches / access to provision

Integrated when suitable / participation where disabled can participate alongside able bodied

Segregation when required / necessary – participation where disabled can participate away from able bodied

Role models

Media coverage

Education

Sub max 3 marks

Question 14

Define the term Stereotype

Define the term Inclusiveness

Answer 14

Discrimination is unfair treatment of a person based on a stereotype or prejudice (1)

A stereotype is a preconceived idea about a group (1)

Inclusiveness is including all kinds of people / everyone within an activity or group (1)

Question 15

‘An inequality where society is divided into different levels on the basis of a characteristic, such as wealth or status.’

Which one of these is the above statement describing? [1 mark]

A

Social control

B

Socialisation

C

Social processes

D

Social stratification

Answer 15

D

Question 16

Participation in sport and physical activity can depend upon the opportunities available to individuals within society.

Define the term equal opportunity. [2 marks]

Answer 16

A Treating people fairly/equal chance

Do not accept opportunity

B In relation to disability/gender/race/religion/class/status

C Based on inclusiveness/prohibits discrimination/the law

Question 17

Define the term ‘discrimination’. [1 mark]

Answer 17

• To treat people unfairly (1).
• Based on a stereotype or prejudice (1).
• Can be overt – obvious OR covert – hidden (1).

Max 2 marks

Question 18

Ethnic minorities may be pushed into certain sports, based on assumptions about them.

What is this an example of?

A

Channelling

B

Racism

C

Stacking

D

Stereotyping

(Total 1 mark)

Answer 18

A

Question 19

Using an example from sport, Explain the term ‘social change’.
[3 MARK]

Answer 19

Social change – significant changes in social behaviours and/or cultural values (1) over time, leading to long-term effects (1)

for example ‘kick 4 life’ (K4L) using football to bring about social change in deprived areas (1).

Accept other relevant definitions of social change. Answers must use examples.

Question 20

Which one of the following definitions best describes the term socialisation?

A

A collection of people living in a defined geographical area

B

Studying how the social groups people belong to influence their actions and beliefs

C

The learning of cultural values in society

D

The learning of society’s social norms and values

(Total 1 mark)

Answer 20

D

Question 21

Which one of the following is a primary agent of socialisation?

A

Immediate family

B

Mass media

C

Peer

D

Schools

(Total 1 mark)

Answer 21

A

Question 22

Define the terms society and socialisation. [3 MARKS]

Answer 22

Society

• Organised group of people associated for some specific purpose / with shared interests

Socialisation

• (Lifelong) process where members of a society learn its norms / values / ideas / roles
• Primary - during early years / childhood - mainly within (immediate) family
• Secondary - during the later years / e.g. as teenagers and adults

[3]

Question 23

Which one of these describes social control?

A

The way in which people’s thoughts, feelings, appearance and behaviour are regulated in social systems.

B

Where members of a society learn its norms, values, ideas, practices and roles in order to take their place in that society.

C

An alteration in the social order of a society.

D

An organised group of people associated for some specific purpose or with a shared common interest.

(Total 1 mark)

Answer 23

A

Question 24

Define the term Equal opportunities [1 mark]

Define the term Prejudice [1 mark]

Define the term Chanelling [1 mark

Answer 24

Equal opportunities is the right to access the same opportunities, regardless of race, age, sex, mental or physical capability.

Prejudice means to form an unfavourable opinion of an individual, often based on inadequate facts.

Channelling refers to groups of people being bushed into certain sports based on asumptions about them. E.g a person with Indian heritage should play Cricket

Question 25

Social stratification can impact on the sports participation of an individual. One example of social stratification may be the class that an individual belongs to.

Evaluate the different sporting experiences that upper class and working class 15-year-olds may have and how this might impact on their life-long participation in sport.

[8 marks]

Answer 25

AO1 – Knowledge of social stratification and social class * Social stratification is a type of social inequality where society is divided into different levels based on a social characteristic

• Social class is a term used to define social inequalities
• e.g. certain groups have more access to wealth, income and power than others.
• Factors which contribute to social class include a person’s job, family, background, education and income

AO2 – Application of social class to experiences in sport (variety and amount)

• An upper class 15 year is likely to have greater access to a wide range of sports
• This is because they will be able to afford equipment, membership fees etc which are required to participate
• It may be suggested that they will also be better educated having access to facilities at school but also having a greater understanding of the importance of being physically active
• However, there may be greater pressure from parents/school for upper class students to perform well in education which may limit the time they have available for sport
• A working class 15-year-old may not have access to as many sports as they may not be able to afford equipment, membership fees etc. which are required to participate
• Their main provider of sporting experiences is likely to be there school
• They may have less time to participate if they have a part time job
• It may be however that the working-class child plays more sport than the upper-class child
• This could be because they have more time due to lower expectations to perform well in education
• They may see sport as a means of social mobility and a way to change their social class

AO3 – Evaluation of impact on life-long participation

• As upper-class children will be able to try more sports it increases the chances of them finding one they enjoy
• Understanding the importance of physical activity for health and wellbeing also means they are more likely to make time to take part in sport
• May be less likely to enjoy life-long participation
• Due to pressure of job/responsibilities/lack of motivation
• (A working class 15-year-old may not have access to as many sports as they may not be able to afford equipment, membership fees etc. which are required to participate.) This may limit the likelihood of them participating throughout their life as they may have negative experiences
• Only playing sports they don’t enjoy or playing in substandard facilities or with substandard equipment
• May be more likely to enjoy life-long participation
• Due to it providing income/additional income/escapism
• Social class not fixed so may move classes during lifetime, impacting participation

Credit other relevant evaluation of the different sporting experiences that an upper class and working class 15-year-old may have and how this might impact on their life-long participation in sport.

Question 26

Consider the impact social stratification can have on sporting participation. [4 marks]

Answer 26

Type / choice of activity

•    Social Class – may affect which activity choice is made – tennis / horse riding (1)
•    Those with higher socio-economic status can select schooling (public / state schools) – better facilities in more affluent areas, some sports are still associated to wealth (1)
•    It may be that sections or certain groups of society are still underrepresented in specific sports (1)
•    Some in society may feel inferior / unwelcomed / embarrassed to participate in certain sports (1).

Number of opportunities

•    Those individuals with more disposable income may be able to access clubs, facilities and resources more readily (1)
•    It may be that sections or certain groups of society are still underrepresented in sport overall (1).

Time / money / transport

•    Social Class – lower status families may place more emphasis on children working or contributing to chores / education (1)
•    Social class may now not be having such an impact as there are clubs and facilities accessible for all classes (1).

Question 27

Define the terms discrimination and stereotyping and explain how each can cause low participation rates amongst underrepresented groups in sport. Give sporting examples to support your answer. [6 marks]

Answer 27

Discrimination

AO1 (Definition) – Discrimination is unfair treatment of a person based on a stereotype or prejudice (1)

AO2 (Sporting example) – A person with a disability would be discriminated against if they were denied access to a club because they were a wheelchair user (1).

AO3 (Explanation of impact of unfair treatment) – Without the same level of access as other groups of users / With reduced confidence / As a result of feeling excluded those with a disability will be less likely to take part in sport (1).

Stereotyping

AO1 (Definition) – A stereotype is a preconceived idea about a group (1)

AO2 (Sporting example) – Some people may believe that women should not play sport / certain sports (1).

AO3 (Explanation of impact of stereotyping) – If women / others in positions of power believe these stereotypes then they may feel they cannot participate leading to under-representation of women in sport (1).

All examples should relate to how discrimination and stereotyping cause low participation rates amongst underrepresented groups in sport.

The explanation of how discrimination and stereotyping can cause low participation rates amongst underrepresented groups in sport should relate to an individual and so the impact of fewer role models, media coverage etc.. is not creditworthy.

Accept other appropriate definitions / explanations of how discrimination and stereotyping can cause low participation rates amongst underrepresented groups in sport.

Max 6 marks

Question 28

Give an example of a movement or organisation that relates to social action theory

Answer 28

BLM

Kick it out

Football fans outrage about the European Super league

Juan mata’s common goal movement

Question 29

Describe the main concepts of social action theory. [4 marks]

Answer 29

• Social action theory considers how sport can impact society (1).
• Society is created by social interaction/interactionalist theory (1).
• By interacting with others, people create organisations e.g. schools/clubs/campaign groups (1).
• These organisations influence people/shape wider society, eg expecting people to obey the rules of the organisation/decreasing racism (1).
• Interactions lead to change in the social processes that exist (1).
• Social institutions are the product of the interaction of the people with and within the institution (1).
• Promotes sports becoming more democratic/preventing the dominance of one group (1).
• Individual motives/meanings for sports participation can vary (1).

Accept any other appropriate description of social action theory. Maximum 4 marks

Question 30

Define the terms discrimination and stereotyping and explain how each can cause low participation rates amongst underrepresented groups in sport. Give sporting examples to support your answer.[6 marks]

Answer 30

Discrimination

AO1 (Definition) – Discrimination is unfair treatment of a person based on a stereotype or prejudice (1)

AO2 (Sporting example) – A person with a disability would be discriminated against if they were denied access to a club because they were a wheelchair user (1).

AO3 (Explanation of impact of unfair treatment) – Without the same level of access as other groups of users / With reduced confidence / As a result of feeling excluded those with a disability will be less likely to take part in sport (1).

Stereotyping

AO1 (Definition) – A stereotype is a preconceived idea about a group (1)

AO2 (Sporting example) – Some people may believe that women should not play sport / certain sports (1).

AO3 (Explanation of impact of stereotyping) – If women / others in positions of power believe these stereotypes then they may feel they cannot participate leading to under-representation of women in sport (1).

All examples should relate to how discrimination and stereotyping cause low participation rates amongst underrepresented groups in sport.

The explanation of how discrimination and stereotyping can cause low participation rates amongst underrepresented groups in sport should relate to an individual and so the impact of fewer role models, media coverage etc.. is not creditworthy.

Accept other appropriate definitions / explanations of how discrimination and stereotyping can cause low participation rates amongst underrepresented groups in sport.

Question 31

Discuss the benefits and possible problems associated with having a high proportion of ethnic minority groups participating in football in the UK.

[4 marks]

Answer 31

Benefits

(sub max 2 marks)

• Opportunity for upward social mobility / way out / escape / earn money
• Role models / encourages younger performers / pride / self esteem
• Inner city schemes to control youth / social control / integration into mainstream culture
• Increased talent pool

Problems

(sub max 2 marks)

• Reaffirm stereotypes / cultural clash / increases racism / separation
• Reaffirms expectation that the route out is through sport and not educational attainment
• Can lead to channelling / labelling / stacking by teachers / coaches

Question 32

Identify three characteristics of swimming that might make it a preferred activity for women.

Answer 32

Award one mark for each of the following points (max 3 marks):

• No physical contact
• Can be pursued non-competitively/ self paced
• Considered a suitable/appropriate activity to develop fitness/toning/equiv
• Can be pursued in an all female environment
• No requirement to join a club/team/individual activity
• Family friendly/can do with children
• Flexible time opportunities

Question 33

Describe the benefits of participation in sporting activities for people with disabilities.[3 marks]

Answer 33

• Increased self esteem / confidence
• Challenge / develop new skills / achievement
• Health / physical development
• Active role in society
• Less ‘them and us’ attitude / public awareness and acceptance of disability sport / reduce stereotypes
• Inclusion/integration into society
• More participation - higher standards reached / role models
• Allows them to be competitive / can be a spectator / increase knowledge in specialised coaching

Question 34

Raising participation in physical activity should deliver both individual health benefits and a positive impact on society.

Analyse and evaluate this statement.

(Total 15 marks)

Answer 34

AO1 – Knowledge of the potential individual and societal benefits of raising participation

Individual benefits – Eg Increase in physical activity can lead to increased personal physical health (eg CHD reduced, hypertension, less chance of becoming obese, less sedentary), increased mental health, increased fitness, skill development.

Societal benefits of more active nation – Eg reduced crime rates, constructive use of time of the masses, community spirit, legacy projects, more/improved facilities, reduced NHS costs.

AO2 – Application of individual health benefits and impact on society

Eg increased health of the individual, eg less risk of CHD, therefore increased health of nation. Improved mental health due to increased self-confidence as a result of participating with others/ improving health and fitness. Greater opportunity to develop social cohesion through increased participation in team activities/games. With increased access to opportunities to participate, individuals can use time more constructively, therefore, less likely to become bored/commit petty offences.

AO3 – Analysis/Evaluation of relationship between raising participation and the health benefits to individual and the impact on society

Eg Due to increased health of nation, less funding required for NHS/health care and increased productivity as fewer days absent from work. An increase in physical activity is a positive lifestyle change, which could lead to further positive lifestyle choices, eg quitting smoking, which would mean further reduction in costs across society for health care. Increased social cohesion could lead to improved community cohesiveness, with members of the community taking greater pride in their environment. In addition, as time is used constructively, vandalism and other anti-social behaviour is less likely to occur, improving the quality of the neighbourhood.

Credit other relevant points on the relationship between raising participation in physical activity and the health benefits to the individual and the impact on society.

Max 15 marks

Question 35

Sport England aims to increase the number of people who regularly participate in sport and physical activity.

Suggest how schools can improve participation rates of girls. [3 marks]

Answer 35

A Make PE interesting/fun/enjoyable/rewards

B Single sex/female only groups

C Offer a wider range of activities/female appropriate sport eg yoga

D Suited to modern/fashion/cultural/image needs/relaxed dress code

E Other roles and leadership/coaching opportunities

F Offer clubs (for girls)/extra-curricular activities/social recreational

G Improve links with local clubs/associations/run sportivate projects

Accept other relevant campaigns such as ‘This Girl Can’

H Advertise/posters for clubs/opportunities outside of school

I Emphasise importance of a healthy lifestyle

J Inspirational teachers/role models/specialist women coaches

Question 36

Evaluate whether primary or secondary socialisation has a greater impact on an
individual’s participation in sports throughout their life.
[3 marks]

Answer 36

Primary socialisation greater impact (sub max 2)
* Primary socialisation occurs in early years so has a large impact on core values/beliefs. (1)
* Core values/beliefs created during primary socialisation will be very strong/difficult to change in later
years. (1)
* Primary socialisation involves family members who you rely on to provide opportunities/support to
participate in sport. (1)

Secondary socialisation greater impact (sub max 2)
* Secondary socialisation can occur over a longer period of time than primary socialisation so can
change core values/beliefs. (1)
* Secondary socialisation comes from a broader range of sources which may make the messages more
powerful than those coming only from immediate family. (1)
* Secondary socialisation is a result of your own choices/control regarding sports participation. (1)
* Peer pressure is a powerful force which can override primary socialisation. (1)

Accept any other appropriate evaluation of whether primary or secondary socialisation has a greater
impact on an individual’s participation in sports throughout their life.
Maximum 3 marks