18 Sociological Aspects of Sport C H A P T E R Nicole M. LaVoi, University of Minnesota Mary Jo Kane, University of Minnesota Chapter 18

Defining Sport Sociology A subdiscipline of sociology involving the study of “sports as social phenomena” (Coakley, 2009, p. 11) Sport sociologists Rely on sociological theories and concepts Examine social patterns, structures, institutions Do not focus on behavior of specific individuals

Social Significance of Sport Sport influences almost all aspects of our lives Enormous economic impact of sport industry Sport holds a prominent place in our society Consumption, valuation, and participation have potential for both positive and negative outcomes

Benefits of Sport Sport as a socializing agent Sport as a unifier

Dark Side of Sport Sport as a divider Sexism in sport Homophobia and heterosexism in sport Racism in sport

Dark Side of Sport: Sexism in Sport Female patterns of sport participation Resources allocated to collegiate athletes Women in positions of leadership in sport International Sidebar: Women and Sport Leadership in New Zealand Media coverage of female athletes Sidebar: Media Portrayals of Female Athletes

Dark Side of Sport: Homophobia and Heterosexism Women’s sports Men’s sports

Dark Side of Sport: Racism in Sport Race and athletic ability: race logic Racism and sport leadership Stacking Racial and Gender Report Card (continued)

Dark Side of Sport: Racism in Sport (continued) Sport media coverage Sport and upward mobility

Sport as a Vehicle for Social Transformation Sport is one of the few institutions that can serve as a catalyst for change Examples Modern color barrier Turbulence of the 1960s Challenging stereotypes and homophobia Breaking barriers for women

Implications for Sport Managers Knowing about people is key in sport management To get and keep consumers involved, sport managers must understand these issues: Social context of sport Meaning attached to that context (continued)

Implications for Sport Managers (continued) Example: Females’ participation in sport Sidebar: Case Study

Practical Application Critical thinking in sport sociology Title IX article in university newspaper Ethics in sport sociology Use of Native Americans as sport mascots

Three Review Questions How and why do sports come to symbolize broader social concerns throughout society? Why has the number of women in key leadership positions in sport declined dramatically over the past three decades? Why does sport sociology have significant implications for sport managers?