1. Social Institutions: Sports

2. I.) So, what exactly is a Sport? A.Sociological Definition: physical activity that is governed by a set of rules or customs and often engaged in competitively B.Sport is a major social activity by which culture is created and reinforced Example: Which of the following would NOT be considered a sport? A. Baseball game between two teams B. Football game between two teams C. A hundred yard dash between friends D. Swim meet involving two high schools

3. II.) Sport as a Social Institution A.Sport serves important social needs within society: 1. teaches basic values of society 2. promotes attachment to society 3. provides self-identification with others in society B.Sport Subcultures: 1. sport creates subcultures around team and individual sports mirroring society at large Examples: roles (team captain) values (winning) norms (fairness) beliefs (hard work)

4. III.) Theoretical Perspectives A.Functionalist View: promote social integration and helps society run more efficiently The Four Functions: Teaches beliefs, norms, and values, Promotes a sense of social identification Offers safe release of aggressive energy from stress of everyday life Encourages the development of character Sport Dysfunctions: 1. winning is everything attitude 2. violence in sport 3. cheating

5. B.Conflict View: social conflict exists within despite attachment to team Beliefs: o Maintains inequality o Mirrors unequal distribution of power and money o Powerful oppress, and exploit others B.Symbolic View: promotes self concept and social relationships through symbols of sports Beliefs: o Participation in a sport can promote or hinder self concept o Misinterpretations of symbols can take place leading to negative results

6. IV.) Social Issues in Sport A.Social Mobility: participation in sports increases likelihood of increase in social status, but sport can act as barrier to upward mobility of minorities B. Race Issue: gaps in central positions on teams, power structure within organization, salary scale, and post career profit are central observable issues C. Sexism: women are not afforded the same treatment and opportunities as their male counterparts