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KIN 110 > Thinking Sociologically: Sport, Physical Culture, and Critical Theory > Flashcards

Thinking Sociologically: Sport, Physical Culture, and Critical Theory Flashcards

1
Q

Sociological Theory in Sport:

A

Sociological theory provides frameworks for understanding the role of sport in society.
It helps us see beyond individual experiences to the broader social context.

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2
Q

Four Major Theoretical Perspectives

A

Structural Functionalism:
Conflict Theory:
Symbolic Interactionism:
Critical Social Theories:

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3
Q

Structural Functionalism:

A

Examines how sport contributes to social stability and cohesion.

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4
Q

Conflict Theory:

A

Focuses on power struggles and inequalities within sport.

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5
Q

Symbolic Interactionism:

A

Looks at how individuals create meaning through sport.

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6
Q

Critical Social Theories:

A

Combine elements of other theories to examine issues like gender, race, and social justice in sport.

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7
Q

Challenges to Common Assumptions:

A

Sociological theories challenge the idea that sport is purely meritocratic and highlight the influence of social factors.

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8
Q

Theory vs. Common Sense:

A

Sociological theory requires systematic verification and must withstand the test of time.
Common sense refers to widely held beliefs that are often unexamined and can be inaccurate.

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9
Q

Einstein’s View on common sense:

A

“Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age 18.”

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10
Q

C. Wright Mills’ Perspective of common sense:

A

Emphasizes the importance of understanding social forces rather than just individual factors.
Introduces the concept of the “sociological imagination.” - personal experiences see how they fit into the world, other people experience same things differently

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11
Q

Can you think of a common assumption about sport that might be challenged by sociological theory?

A

Everyone should have access to sports
male and female dominated sports

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12
Q

Common Misconception of history of sport:

A

Sport is often perceived as timeless and unchanging.
Modern sports and events like the Olympics are seen as direct continuations of ancient practices

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13
Q

Historical Evidence of sport:

A

Significant differences between ancient and modern sports.
Ancient Greek sports were far more violent, and athletes were revered almost like gods.

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14
Q

Modern Evolution of sports:

A

The revival of the Olympic Games by Pierre de Coubertin in the 19th century was inspired by ancient Greece but was significantly different in practice.

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15
Q

How does sociological theory differ from common sense in its approach to understanding social phenomena?

A

Sociological theory has to be proven and backed up my evidence - verification
common sense is assumed, biased,

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16
Q

What did Albert Einstein mean by describing common sense as “the collection of prejudices acquired by age 18”?

A

Einstein believes that common sense are opinions without evidence that are gathered from birth till age 18
(incorrect ideas)

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17
Q

How can the concept of the “sociological imagination” help us understand the role of social forces in individual lives?

A

personal experiences and outside experiences influencing your actions
institutions control our lives, we are not that much in control.

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18
Q

How does understanding the historical context of sport change our perception of modern sports?

A

Understanding how violent and the definition of winning before, shows that the definition of winning today is out performing the other, not necessary being stronger than the other.

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19
Q

Why is it important to recognize the evolution of sport over time?

A

We can use the past and the mistakes of the past and learn from them so we do not make those same mistakes again.

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20
Q

Overview of Structural Functionalism:

A

Views society as a complex system promoting stability and cohesion.
Emphasizes the interdependence of societal components.
Key Proponent:
Émile Durkheim
-sociality is more than the sum of its system, but the systems individually

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21
Q

Structural Functionalism in Sport - social facts

A

Definition: Social facts are patterns of behavior that are external to the individual and exert control over them.
Example: Norms and values surrounding sportsmanship and fair play.

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22
Q

Structural Functionalism in Sport - Social Integration:

A

Definition: The process by which individuals are incorporated into the social structure.
Example: Participation in sports fosters a sense of belonging and community.

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23
Q

Structural Functionalism in Sport - functions of sport

A

Developing group bonds and social cohesion.
Integrating individuals into societal norms and values.
Providing positive entertainment and an escape from daily life.

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24
Q

Structural Functionalism in Sport - conclusion

A

Structural functionalism highlights how sport contributes to societal stability and cohesion.

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25
Q

Can you identify any limitations of the functionalist perspective when analyzing sport?

A

It doesnt show the negative impacts and the power imbalances in sport

26
Q

Conflict Theory & Sport definition

A

Examines power struggles and inequalities within society.
Focuses on how resources, opportunities, and rewards are distributed unequally

27
Q

Key people in conflict theory

A

Karl Marx and Max Weber

28
Q

Conflict theory - Reinforcing Social Inequalities:

A

Sport can mirror and reinforce existing social hierarchies and inequalities.
Disparities in access to sports facilities and opportunities.

29
Q

Conflict theory - Economic Inequality:

A

Disparities in funding and resources between professional and amateur sports, and between men’s and women’s sports.

30
Q

Conflict theory - Power and Control in Sport:

A

Dominance of powerful groups such as team owners, sponsors, and media conglomerates.
Influence of these groups on the direction and nature of sports.

31
Q

Conflict theory - Social Change Through Sport:

A

Sport as a platform for challenging and changing social inequalities.
Examples of athletes using their visibility to advocate for social justice.

32
Q

How does conflict theory view the relationship between sport and social inequality?

A

By favoring those who have more power and wealth

33
Q

What are some examples of power struggles within the world of sport?

A

Team manger and the players, manger decides who gets to play and who gets to leave.
sponsors, government and media gets to pick which sport will get more money and get more attention
wage gaps

34
Q

How might sports serve the interests of powerful groups in society?

A

Those in power can earn more money and more fame through sponsors or by the team winning and becoming more popular.
sport betting
sport brands

35
Q

Symbolic Interactionism in Sport Overview

A

Focuses on the symbolic meanings and social interactions that shape human behavior.
Emphasizes the subjective experiences of individuals.

36
Q

Important person in Symbolic Interactionism in Sport

A

George Herbert Mead

37
Q

Micro Sociology - Symbolic Interactionism in Sport

A

Microsociology:Focuses on small-scale interactions between individuals.

38
Q

Macro Sociology - Symbolic Interactionism in Sport

A

Macrosociology:Examines large-scale social processes and institutions.

39
Q

Application to Sport: Micro Sociology vs. Macro Sociology:

A

Micro: Interactions between teammates and coaches.
Macro: Influence of societal norms on sports culture.

40
Q

Self - Symbolic Interactionism in Sport

A

Concept of the “self” as developed through social interactions.
Mead’s distinction between the “I” and the “me.”
Role of sport shaping the self:
Sport as a platform for developing and expressing personal and social identities.
Influence of interactions within sport on self-perception.

41
Q

Mead’s I (on exam)

A

subjective experinces initiate actions in the world
spontaneous
unpredictable
dynamic
personality

42
Q

Mead’s Me (on exam)

A

subconscious self, reflective and conforming, how other people view you
how we previce ourselfs through soical norms and expectations.
Actions of the I are analyzed by the Me

43
Q

How does symbolic interactionism explain the creation of personal and collective identities through sport?

A

Personal identities are made through rituals, supersitions
collective identites are made through sharing these rituals.

44
Q

Mead’s I and Me

A

I = what your play style
Me = while staying within rules

45
Q

Critical Social Theories

A

Definition: Focus on power relations, social inequalities, and the potential for social change.
Aim to understand and challenge social injustices.

analyze and critize power relations

46
Q

Hegemony

A

Definition: The dominance of one group over others, maintained through cultural means.
Example: Media representations reinforcing dominant cultural norms
men and women

47
Q

Gender Relations & Sexuality: Feminist Studies

A

Focus on gender inequalities in sport.
Aim to understand and challenge sexism and gender-based discrimination.
Key Concepts:
Gender roles and expectations.
Representation and visibility of female athletes.
Examples:
Efforts for equal pay in sports.
Increasing visibility of women’s sports in media.

48
Q

Critical Race Studies

A

Focus on racial inequalities and the impact of race in sport.
Aim to understand and challenge racism and discrimination.
Key Concepts:
Racial representation and visibility.
Examples:
Addressing racial disparities in coaching and management positions.
Athletes advocating for racial justice.

49
Q

Critical Social Theories:

A

Examine power relations and social inequalities.
Aim to understand and challenge social injustices.
challenge stereotypes

50
Q

Gender and Race Studies:

A

Subsets of critical social theories focusing on specific forms of inequality and discrimination.
Gender studies address sexism and gender-based discrimination.
Race studies focus on racism and racial inequalities.

51
Q

Interconnectedness/Intersectionality

A

is a key concept in critical race studies, examining how race intersects with other social categories like gender and class to create unique experiences of discrimination and privilege.
Both fields highlight the importance of intersectionality and the interplay of multiple social categories.

52
Q

How do critical social theories help us understand the role of sport in addressing social inequalities?

A
53
Q

Overview of Sociological Theories:

A

Structural Functionalism: Focuses on stability and cohesion.
Conflict Theory: Examines power struggles and inequalities.
Symbolic Interactionism: Emphasizes symbolic meanings and social interactions.
Critical Social Theories: Focus on power relations, social inequalities, and social change.

54
Q

Summary: Application to Sport:

A

Each theory provides unique insights into the role and impact of sport in society.
Sport can reinforce or challenge social norms and inequalities.

55
Q

Key Takeaways:

A

Sociological theories help us understand the broader social context of sport.
Sport is a reflection of and influence on societal values, norms, and power dynamics.
Understanding these theories enables us to address issues of inequality and promote social change.

56
Q

Which sociological theory views society as a system of interdependent parts promoting stability and cohesion?

A

Structural functionalism

57
Q

Conflict theory in sport is most concerned with which of the following?

A

Inequalities and power struggles within sports

58
Q

What does critical social theory primarily aim to examine in the context of sport?

A

Power relations and social inequalities

59
Q

Scenario:A sports historian highlights that the modern Olympic Games were designed to foster international unity and sportsmanship. In contrast, ancient Greek sports were often violent and primarily focused on winning at all costs.
Question:What does this example illustrate about the sociological study of sport?

A

Sport evolves based on cultural and societal changes

60
Q

Scenario:A young athlete feels motivated by their coach’s positive feedback during training. They develop a stronger sense of self-confidence and see themselves as an essential part of the team.
Question:Which sociological concept explains how the athlete’s identity is shaped in this scenario?

A

b.The self as explained by symbolic interactionism

KIN 110 (5 decks)

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