chapter 2 How Do We Study Sport?

Chapter Outline Research Methods Social Theories Current Status of Sport Sociology Summary

How Do We Study Sport? Many research methods used in sport Two main types Quantifiable research collects or studies data that can be counted and analyzed statistically. Qualitative research collects information through interviews or observation of individuals, groups, society characteristics, and trends.

Research Methods Survey research Uses questionnaires. Is a quick method and can collect large amounts of data and analyze for trends. Relies on self-report and may not account for personal differences. Interviews Use individuals or small (focus) groups. Can be more in depth than surveys, but can be time consuming, expensive, and limited to small samples. Content research Collects information or pictures and assigns themes. Implications of the data collected are inferences rather than self-report. (continued)

Research Methods (continued) Ethnography A method based on observation. Data are collected by being immersed within environment or group. Provides an “insider view” but can be timely and costly. Historical research Looks at trends in sport over time and can make comparisons to society at large. Research is limited to large societal trends. Societal analysis Uses a broad social theory to examine life from a social viewpoint.

Social Theories Theories are a way of organizing how we look at a particular issue or topic. They are used to describe, analyze, formulate beliefs, and make predictions. See table 2.1 on page 21 for a summary of social theories for the study of sport.

Key Point Using the construct of a social theory to analyze sport helps us consider the larger picture of how sport exists in broad society.

Functionalist Theory Sport helps maintain the status quo and equilibrium in society by building character and teaching values. Sport reinforces the current values system in society. Example: Playing Little League teaches teamwork and fair play. Weakness: Functionalist theory overemphasizes the positive consequences of sport.

Conflict Theory Sport reinforces the status quo from the foundations of economic influences. Conflict theory focuses on disruptive forces that produce instability, disruption, and disorganization. Example: The college football BCS system will stay intact because of money interests even though popular opinion thinks it is flawed. Weakness: Conflict theory relies too heavily on economics.

Critical Theory Theories that study the source of power or authority that groups have over one another. Sports do not mirror society, but can create society by influencing beliefs and relationships. Hegemony is a key concept and relates to the dominance of one person or group over another group or person. Example: Authoritarian coaches with win-at-all costs attitudes can usually survive if the team continues to win. Weakness: Critical theory can be confusing and may only be helpful in specific cases.

Feminist Theory Society is patriarchal and ignores or undervalues feminine virtues. Feminist theory objectively analyzes the current status of women in sport. Example: Media coverage of only male sports can teach society to undervalue female sports. Weakness: Feminist theory can overlook factors other than gender.

Interactionist Theory Interactionist theory focuses on social interactions and relationships (bottom-up approach). Choices are deliberate, conscious, and based on the effects they will have on self and others. Example: Look at the needs of the youth athlete to define youth sport structure. Weakness: Interactionist theory is based on the individual and excludes overall sport structure.

Figurational Theory Figurational theory emphasizes connections and interdependence of people. It views historical changes of networks. Example: Look at the long-term changes and how differently aged athletes view sport involvement. Weakness: Figurational theory does not focus on the present, and it emphasizes male power.

Current Status of Sport Sociology National associations International Committee for Sport Sociology (1964), now International Sociology of Sport Association North American Society for the Sociology of Sport (1978) National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) Journals International Review of Sport Sociology (1966) Sociology of Sport Journal (1984) Courses Sport and Society, Sport Sociology, Social Science of Sport, Social Issues in Sport

Summary Various research methods, from observation to surveys, are used to study sport. Collected data are analyzed using one or more theoretical approach. Studying sport as a science reduces personal bias. Sport sociology has been established as a professional discipline within the sport sciences.

On Deck… Questions and comments Assignments and readings Moving on to part II: Scope and Effect of Sport on Society Next chapter: Participants Versus Spectators Why participate and who participates Who watches Trends and marketing efforts in sport