Sport Sociology

Sport Sociology and What They Research Sociology is the scientific study of human society and its origins, development, organizations, and institutions. Sport Sociology Subdiscipline of sociology that studies sports as parts of social and cultural life Why have certain activities been selected and designated as sports in particular groups? How are sports related to important spheres of social life (family, education)?

Psychology vs Sociology Study behavior in terms of the social conditions and cultural contexts in which people live their lives Focus on the reality outside and around the individual Deal with how people form relationships Study behavior in terms of attributes and processes that exist inside individuals Focus on motivation, self-esteem, personality, social influences, leadership

Why Study Sports as a Social Phenomena Sports are connected to major spheres of social life Sports and Family Sports and the Economy Sports and the Media Sports and Politics Sports and Education Sports and Religion What Happened to the Game?

Sports and Family Millions of children are involved in a variety of organized sport activities Family schedules are altered to accommodate practices and games Viewing sporting events sometimes disrupts family life and other times provides a collective focus for family attention -how-do-sports-affect-families/

Sports and the Economy Billions of $$$ are spent every year for game tickets, sports equipment, participation fees, athletic club memberships dues, and betting Corporate logos are tied to sport teams and athletes are displayed prominently in schools and parks Athletes make great sums of $$$ in salaries, endorsements, and appearance fees Fortunate 50 - SI.com

Sports and the Media TV and cable networks pay billions of dollars for the rights to televise major games and events Sports organizations are aware that they depend on spectators and with out the media their lives would be different The use of zoom, special camera angles, filters, slowmos, replays, commentary all enhance drama and excitement Media have converted sports into a major form of entertainment in many societies Super Bowl

Sports and Politics Many societies link sports to feelings of national pride and a sense of national identity Displaying national flags and national anthems at sporting events Political leaders at various levels promote themselves by associating with sports as participants and spectators Former athletes have been elected to powerful political positions

Sports and Politics athletes turned politician Not Just a Game -#related-links

Sports and Education Sports have become integral parts of school life for students around the world Physical Education classes Some sports teams attract more attention in the community than academic progress how-sports-affect-grades-in-a-good-way

Sports and Religion Local churches and groups are some of the most active sponsors of athletic teams/leagues Worship schedules are revised to accommodate members who watch sports Athletes display religious beliefs in connection with their sport participation