10 Week Six - Sport and Sociology
10.1 Introduction
A number of important sociological theories can help us better understand the role that sport plays within society. For example, functionalism sees sport as fostering social cohesion and shared values. Conflict theories view sport as reflecting societal inequalities and power struggles. Critical and feminist views emphasise sport’s role in challenging and reinforcing social norms and power dynamics.
This week we’ll explore the complex relationship between sport and society, focusing on the various sociological theories that can contribute to our understanding of sport. We’ll gain insights into how sport functions in society, and understand its role in mirroring – and sometimes challenging – social inequalities.
Takeaway
Different models of society help us understand sport in different ways.
Key Questions
By the end of this week’s lecture, you should be able to answer the following questions:
Themes
This week’s lecture is organised around four themes:
- Functionalism and sport
- Conflict Theory and sport
- Symbolic Interactionism and sport
- Feminist Theory and sport
Theories
We’ll learn about the following theories:
10.2 Discussion Questions
In small groups, we’ll discuss four questions. For the assessment task this week, choose one of these and upload a short summary of your group’s discussion.
Question 1 - Functionalism
Reflect on how sport functions to maintain social stability. How do different roles within a sports team (e.g., players, coaches, fans) contribute to the overall success and unity of the team or even society at large?
Question 2 - Conflict Theory
Consider the power dynamics in professional sport. How does economic inequality between team owners, players, and fans reflect broader societal inequalities? Who benefits the most from the commercialisation of sport?
Question 3 - Symbolic Interactionism
Think about the symbolic meaning of rituals in sport (e.g., songs, team colours, victory celebrations). How do these rituals create a shared identity for players and fans? How might they differ across different sports or cultures?
Question 4 - Feminist Theory
Reflect on the representation of women in sport. How are female athletes portrayed compared to male athletes in the media? What barriers still exist for women in professional sport, and how do these reflect broader gender inequalities in society?
10.3 Reading
All reading for the module can be accessed via the module reading list on myplace.
Preparatory Reading
You should read the following paper before this week’s lecture:
- Newman. (2019). Sport Sociology, In Question. Sociology of Sport Journal, 36(4), 265-276.
Further Reading
You should read the following paper after this week’s lecture:
- Aggerholm, & Breivik, G. (2021). Being, having and belonging: values and ways of engaging in sport. Sport in Society, 24(7), 1141-1155.
10.4 Lecture Outline
Today’s lecture is structured as follows:
Functionalism
Introduction
Emerged in response to industrialisation.
Society seen as an interconnected organism.
Opposes Conflict Theory’s focus on tension.
Definition
Interdependence: society’s parts rely on each other for stability.
Roles: institutions, groups, individuals sustain society.
Resilience: disruptions trigger compensatory changes.
‘Bonding’
Sport as a unifying force.
Example: South Africa’s 1995 Rugby World Cup.
Social cohesion: shared values bind people.
Well-being
Sport improves physical, mental, and social health.
Reduces chronic disease, boosts mental health, fosters social ties.
Biopsychosocial model: health is influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors.
Critique
Overemphasises stability, ignores conflict and power imbalances.
Struggles with rapid societal changes.
In sport: overlooks conflicts like doping, pay issues, and individual athlete influence.
Conflict Theory
Introduction
Emerged as a critique of Functionalism, highlighting societal tensions.
Rooted in Marx’s views on class struggles and power.
Definition
Groups compete for resources due to economic disparities.
Focus on power imbalances and exploitation.
Resource Allocation
Economic disparities limit access to sport.
Wealth improves access to resources.
Bourdieu’s ‘Cultural Capital’: resources determine success and participation.
Consequences of Resource Deprivation
Limited access hinders career progression.
Low-income athletes face training and facility challenges.
Power Dynamics and ‘Gatekeeping’
Gatekeepers (officials, coaches, governing bodies) control access to opportunities.
Their decisions shape who succeeds or fails.
Power and Knowledge (Foucault)
Power shapes what is seen as legitimate talent or knowledge.
Gatekeepers define norms and values in sport.
Critical Race Theory
Examines race and racism within social structures.
Reinforces stereotypes and reduces diversity.
Critique
Focuses too much on conflict, misses cooperation.
Narrow economic focus, neglects other influences.
Can lead to broad generalisations, overlooks individual agency in sport.
Symbolic Interactionism
Introduction
Focus on individual interactions and meanings.
Based on American pragmatism (Mead).
Definition
Society constructed through interactions.
Identities shaped by social interactions.
Sport and ‘Cultural Symbols’
Sport acts as a ‘cultural language,’ conveying meanings.
Reflects societal views, e.g., on gender roles.
How does Sport reflect Society?
Sport mirrors societal values and norms.
Influences personal and collective identities.
What is ‘Media Framing’?
Media shapes how sport is perceived by the public.
Frames guide emotional responses and narratives.
Critique
Overlooks broader societal factors, focuses too much on individual views.
Can be culturally biased, often Western-centric.
Feminist Theory
Introduction
Examines societal norms through women’s experiences.
Challenges gender-based inequalities.
Recognises intersections with race, class, and sexuality.
Gender Roles
Historically influenced by societal expectations.
Phrases like “throw like a girl” reinforce biases.
Men seen as ‘strong,’ women as ‘delicate’.
Gender Roles, Participation, and Perception
Gendered perceptions deter participation in certain sports.
Performance and self-perception shaped by societal expectations.
Intersectionality
Overlapping systems of discrimination.
Varied experiences based on race, class, and gender.
Empirical Evidence
Female athletes of colour face dual biases.
Impact on opportunities and recognition.
Sport and Gender Norms
Sport can either reinforce or challenge gender norms.
Achievements of female athletes can shift cultural perceptions.
Critique
May overemphasise white, middle-class women’s experiences.
Historically lacks focus on women of colour and marginalised groups.
Focus on gender binaries often overlooks non-binary and transgender athletes.
Socialisation
Sport as a platform for teaching norms and values.
Emphasises teamwork, discipline, and fair play.
Social Learning Theory: learning through observing others.