Lesson 1: Sports as a Social Institution SOCII.3.1 Describe the evolution of sports in society. SOCII.3.2 Identify and assess current issues in sports. Essential Questions: How does the institution of sports meet basic social needs? How does sports change over time? Learning Target: To be able to explain what makes a sport a sport, how competition varies by types, and the characteristics that make sports a social institution. Using this knowledge, you will be able to identify these characteristics in contemporary sports and explain how they are evident.

The Sociology of Sports

Entrance Ticket: Writing Prompt Get out a sheet of paper and split it in half (use ½ for this, the other ½ for the exit ticket) Answer these questions in a full paragraph: What is your favorite sport? Why? Are you a participant or a spectator of this sport? When you participate or watch this sport, what do you feel as an individual? What do you feel as a part of the team/crowd? Keep until we have discussed, then turn in.

Sport A set of competitive activities in which winners and losers are determined by physical performance within a set of established rules. Sociologists say it to be considered a sport it must have: competition, physical skill, rules

Competition The act of striving with another or others to attain a goal. THREE TYPES OF COMPETITION: Direct competition Indirect competition Against a standard competition

Direct Competition Individual vs. individual Team vs. team Examples: football, soccer, tennis, swimming

Indirect Competition Athletes take turns participating in the same skill/event Can be team or individual Examples: bowling, ski jumping, discus, high jump,javelin, etc.

Against a Standard Competition Individual Athlete or teams compete against each other indirectly Performance is based on a pre-set standard, i.e. “perfect 10” Examples: gymnastics, diving, ice skating

History of Sports… Sports have existed for thousands of years Games like lacrosse, field hockey, rugby, soccer, etc. were used as training for hunting or warfare Even sports such as swimming and fishing developed out of essential tasks

The History of Sports… Religious Nature of Sports -Sports were a significant part of religious life -Often the platform for honor gods (Olympics, tournaments, etc.) -Part of the honoring of warriors in funeral rites

The History of Sports… Sports throughout history have reflected the social norms of the time Ancient Greece: bull leaping, wrestling, foot and chariot races

The History of Sports… Ancient Rome: gladiators, foot and chariot races Athletes were celebrities They would be given free meals, money, pensions, and be well taken care of

The History of Sport… During the Middle Ages, sports like jousting, sword fighting, etc. were used as a way to keep nobility “busy” between wars Until the mid-1800s, sport is reserved for the upper-class

History of Sports… Now popular (upper and middle class) games like England’s cricket develop out of games played by the poor of society and children

History of Sports… American baseball, football, and basketball develop from the mid-1800s a split develops between professionals and amateurs Pros become popular College teams develops

History of Sports… Today, sports is a large part of our society and culture (a social phenomena) --Professional Sports Major Leagues (MLB, NFL, NHL, NBA, MLS) Minor Leagues (ECHL, MLB farm teams, etc.) --Collegiate Sports (NCAA, BCS) --School and Public Children’s Sports Little League, Community Rec Leagues, etc.

Sports as an Institution Modern society sees SIX distinctive characteristics that make sports a social institution (like the family, religion, education, the media, and politics) Secularization Equality Rationalization Specialization Bureaucratization Quantification

Secularization The moving of sports from the realm of the sacred (religious) to the profane (non-religious). Sports is now its OWN institution, thus not directly connected to religion. It can, however, retain some religious nature…

Equality The moving of participation in sports from ascribed status to achieved status. While some sports are still based on social class, most are based on the concept of eligibility—athletes play because they have earned right, not because of their income/status. The rules of play are consistent for all (for the most part ).

Specialization Sports in modern society are greatly refined. Within individual sports, specific roles are highly specialized. THE DIRECT RESULT OF SOCIAL EMPHASIS ON ACHIEVEMENT! Examples: team sport positions, individual sport specialties

Rationalization Sports in modern society are calculated, measured, and control behavior. It has lead to rules becoming official and standardized, and the development of leagues. This creates a consistency and allows for cultural transmission of sports—globalization.

Bureaucratization Like rationalization (the establishment of rules, leagues, consistency), it ORGANIZES these elements. Again, provides consistency and accountability.

Quantification The setting of measurement for competition. To ensure “fair play” and uniformity. Examples: Timers Measurements Weights

Exit Ticket Get out the “Characteristics in Current Events” homework (green ½ sheet) and answer questions 1 and 2. If time, you may get out your device and look for an article to complete the rest for HOMEWORK—remember, a printed copy of the article must be attached