CHAPTER 14 Sport and the Mass Media Section 1: Sports as a Social Institution Section 2: Perspectives & Issues: Sports Section 3: Mass Media as a Social Institution Section 4: Perspectives & Issues: Mass Media

Objectives: Sections 1 & 2: Science as a Social Institution How do sociologists define sport as an institution? What factors have contributed to the institutionalization of sport?

The Institution of Sport Section 1: Science as a Social Institution The Institution of Sport Sport is defined as any competitive game that involves physical activity and is played according to specific rules Sport emerged as a recognizable part of human culture in prehistoric times

Sociological Perspectives & Sport Section 1: Science as a Social Institution Sociological Perspectives & Sport Functionalist: Sport encourages social integration—shared values Sport Reinforces important social norms & values Sport provides an acceptable outlet for stress & aggression

Sociological Perspectives & Sport (cont.) Section 1: Science as a Social Institution Sociological Perspectives & Sport (cont.) Conflict Perspective: Focused on how sports reflect social inequalities Believes that sports are used to maintain inequality in society Says that it serves to distract people from misery—gets them to believe that things aren’t out of reach Claim that sports legitimize violence & oppression

Sociological Perspectives & Sport (cont.) Section 1: Science as a Social Institution Sociological Perspectives & Sport (cont.) Interactionist: Look for the symbolism in sports Find the inspirational qualities of sports in society Look at how sports heroes are treated by society

Issues in American Sport Section 1: Science as a Social Institution Issues in American Sport Race & Ethnicity: Impacts racial tensions/inequality—common experience Can be a source of unity, stereotypes, & prejudice Gender: Gender equity in sports is now mandated by govt. Physical equity/inequity is demonstrated in sport Deviance—Does sport encourage or discourage deviant behavior?

Objectives: Sections 3 & 4: Mass Media as a Social Institution Trace the major developments in the history of mass media, and identify the types of mass media in the United States. Explain how the sociological perspectives of mass media differ. Discuss some contemporary mass-media issues.

History of Mass Media Section 2: Mass Media as a Social Institution Writing and Paper – a written language was needed to record business and other transactions. Paper was developed some time between 3100 and 2500 B.C. Printing Press – during the 1450s Johannes Gutenberg developed moveable type

History of Mass Media Section 2: Mass Media as a Social Institution (continued) The Industrial Age – with rising standards of education and increasing requirements for factory work and life in the city, more people learned to read and write The Computer and the Information Society – the digital computer completely transformed the way people store and access information

Types of Mass Media Section 2: Mass Media as a Social Institution Print Media –include newspapers, magazines, and books Audio Media – sound recordings and radio Visual Media – movies, television, videocassettes, and DVDs Online Media – Internet

Sociological Perspectives of Mass Media Section 2: Mass Media as a Social Institution Sociological Perspectives of Mass Media The Functionalist Perspective – focuses on the ways in which mass media help to preserve social stability The Conflict Perspective – focuses on how mass media serve to maintain the existing social order

Contemporary Mass Media Issues Section 2: Mass Media as a Social Institution Contemporary Mass Media Issues Influence on children Effect on civic and social life Power in shaping public opinion