The Concept of Social Science- Lecture 1

Question 1

Define social science?

Answer 1

The scientific study of human society, social relationships and social practices.

Great American Sociologist C.W.Mills “the vivid awareness of the relationship between personal experience and the wider society”

Question 2

What are the five key goals of social science?

Answer 2

1. To improve society as a whole
2. To learn from societal history
3. To discover inequalities from different social groups
4. Detect patterns of social behaviour
5. Determine how social life is shaped by inequalities in power relations

Question 3

Define sport sociology?

Answer 3

A sub-discipline of the social sciences that deals with sport as a social practice within a social landscape.

-Social practice in a social landscape
-As an institution

Question 4

What are the four main areas that sport sociology refers to?

Answer 4

1. The development, structure and functioning of sport in human society
2. Social problems related to sport
3. The role of sport in shaping identity
4. Sport as an economy/ industry with a distribution of wealth and power in sport

Question 5

Functionalist Theory?

Answer 5

SOCIETY AS A WHOLE
Sport as a STABLE SOCIAL INSTITUTION that keeps society in a state of equilibrium.
Societal wide social arrangements that keep the status quo
No recognition of marginalisation

Question 6

Conflict Theory?

Answer 6

MARXISM/ capitalism
Sport as a tool for the wealthy
Allows establishment of inequalities and allows upperclass dominance

Question 7

Critical Theory?

Answer 7

CULTURE AND SOCIAL RELATIONS
Encourages action and political movement, looking at the diversity complexities and changes in sport.

MICHAEL FOUCALUT

Richard Giulianotti- “Sports must become more politically and socially engaged” (Sociology Handbook)

Question 8

Feminist Theory?

Answer 8

GENDER RELATIONS
Looks at the systematic oppression and subjugation of women- devalued and sexualised within sports

BELL HOOKS AND JUDITH BUTLER

Question 9

Interactionist Theory?

Answer 9

Looks at the everyday, social level human interactions of a society.
HUMAN BEINGS GIVE MEANING TO THEMSELVES AND OTHERS.