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Sociology of Physical Activity

Sociology of Physical Activity. KNR 164. Sociology. Sociology is the systematic study of human social life. Sociologists apply both theoretical perspectives and research methods to examinations of social behavior. Culture. Consists of the “ways of life” people create in a group or society

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Sociology of Physical Activity

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  1. Sociology of Physical Activity KNR 164

  2. Sociology • Sociology is the systematic study of human social life. • Sociologists apply both theoretical perspectives and research methods to examinations of social behavior

  3. Culture • Consists of the “ways of life” people create in a group or society • These ways of life are created and changed as people interact with each other, as they come to terms with, and even struggle over how to • Do things and organize their lives • Relate to each other • Make sense out of their experiences

  4. Sociology of Physical Activity • The study of sport and physical activity from a sociological perspective • Interested in the connection of these activities to the social and cultural contexts in which they exist • Overall, sports and sport images have become a pervasive part of our everyday lives, especially those of us living in countries where resources are relatively plentiful and the media are widespread. For this reason, sports are logical topics for the attention of sociologists and anyone else concerned with social life today.

  5. Psychology vs. Sociology • Psychologists study behavior in terms of attributes & processes that exist inside individuals • Sociologists study behavior in terms of the social conditions and cultural contexts in which people live their lives

  6. Physical Activity and Sport are a social Phenomena • Physical activity and sport are related to the social and cultural contexts in which we live • Physical activityand sport provide stories & images used to explain & evaluate these contexts • Physical activityand sport provide a window into culture and society

  7. Ideologies • The sets of interrelated ideas that people use • To give meaning to the world • To make sense of the world • To identify what is important, right, and natural in that world • Characteristics of Ideologies • They are never established “once and for all time” • They emerge as people struggle over the meaning and organization of social life • They are complex and sometimes inconsistent • They change as power relationships change in society

  8. Major Professional Organizations in the Sociology of Physical Activity and Sport • The International Sociology of Sport Association (ISSA) • The North American Society for the Sociology of Sport (NASSS) • The Sport Sociology Academy (SSA) in AAHPERD (American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance)

  9. Females in Sports • Title IX of the Educational Amendment Act 1972 • “no person ... shall on the basis of sex, be excluded form participation in, be denied the benefits of or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal assistance.” • Challenges to Title IX (narrow interpretation) • 1988 Civil Rights Restoration Act (broad) • Demanded equal opportunity for both sexes in all programs in any organization that received federal funds.

  10. Minorities in Sport • Racism and prejudice in sport... • Is sport “color blind”? • Integration of sports • 1946, Jackie Robinson became the first African-American to play professional baseball for the Dodgers • Participation patterns of minorities • Black athletes’ participation concentrated in a few sports • Underrepresentation of minorities in certain sports and sport administration

  11. Sport for Children and Youth • Youth sports have grown tremendously • Widespread concern about the nature and outcomes associated with the programs • Benefits associated with participation have long been heralded • Many of the criticisms stem from the overemphasis on winning • National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS)

  12. International Sport: The Olympics • Olympic ideals are lofty goals due to: • Olympics used to further political goals by some • Media coverage • Nationalism undermining the goal of unity • Increased commercialization of the Games • Amateurism vs. professionalism • Restructuring of Games to attain goals in the future? How?

  13. Employment Opportunities in Physical Activity Sociology • Develop programs to promote healthy living and participation in physical activity with an emphasis on community and culture • Public Health physical activity specialist • Sports and health journalism • High school or college athletic director • Lecturing and research • Leisure management • Sports promotion and public relations • Community health specialist • Health advocacy • Nonprofit organizations

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