1. 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

2. 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?

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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?

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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