1. Sport Sociology

2. 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)?

3. 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

4. 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?

5. 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/

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

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

10. 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

11. 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