Chapter Preview 2

Chapter Preview · Section 2Theoretical Perspectives and Sport (pages 503–511)

Functionalists see sport positively, as a means for socializing young people, promoting social integration, providing a release for tensions, and developing sound character. Conflict theorists believe that organized sports can be harmful to character development. Symbolic interactionists focus on the self-concepts and relationships developed through sport activities.

A. A

B. B

C. C

D. D

Section-Polling Question

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What do you think is the main function of sport?

A. Character development

B. Promote social identification

C. Release for tension

D. Teach basic norms

Section 2

Culture and Sport

• Sport is a major social activity through which culture is created and reinforced.

• Sociologists disagree about the social implications of sport.

Sport Paradoxes

A. A

B. B

C. C

Section 2

“American sport embodies American values…”

Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

A. Agree

B. Disagree

C. Not sure0% 0%0%

You Play Like A Girl!

Section 2

Functionalism

• Functionalists think sport is important because it helps society work more smoothly.

Olympic Success

Section 2

Functionalism (cont.)

• The functions of sport:

– To teach basic beliefs, norms, and values.

– To promote a sense of social identification.

– To offer a safe release of aggressive feelings generated by the frustrations, anxieties, and strains of modern life.

– To encourage the development of character.

Section 2

Functionalism (cont.)

• Dysfunctions of sport:

– The desire to win may cause extreme violence.

– It may also cause cheating.

A. A

B. B

C. C

D. D

Section 2

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How do functionalists view the role of sport in society?

A. Sport teaches basic beliefs, norms, and values.

B. Sport promotes a sense of social identification.

C. Sport offers a safe release of aggressive feelings generated by the frustrations, anxieties,and strains of modern life.

D. Sport encourages the development of character.

Section 2

Conflict Theory

• To conflict theorists, sport is a social institution in which the most powerful oppress, manipulate, coerce, and exploit others.

• Although sport unites temporarily, inequality and social division still exist.

Section 2

Conflict Theory (cont.)

• They also believe that the better one is at a sport, the less sportsmanship he or she shows.

• Sports scandals seem to be everywhere.

A. A

B. B

C. C

D. D

Section 2

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What are some of the drugs that athletes take?

A. Steroids

B. Growth hormones

C. Amphetamines

D. All of the above

Section 2

Symbolic Interactionism

• This perspective concentrates on personal meaning, social relationships, and self-identity processes.

• The meanings of the symbols associated with sports affect the self-concepts, as well as the relationships, of those involved.

Section 2

Symbolic Interactionism (cont.)

• Limitations of each perspective:

– Functionalists—critics of this perspective contend that many sports have become so closely tied to elite interests that they contribute more to private profit than to the general well-being of society.

Section 2

Symbolic Interactionism (cont.)

– Conflict theorists—they tend to overlook the positive contributions of sport to society.

– Symbolic interactionists—they fail to include the broader social and cultural context.

Social Effects of Sport

A. A

B. B

C. C

D. D

Section 2

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How were social interaction and self-concepts affected by sports?

A. Hustle

B. Weaker

C. Aggressive behavior

D. Loss of self-esteem

Section 3-End

Figure 15.1

Figure 15.2

World View

Olympic Success

Source: The World Almanac and Book of Facts, 2005.