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Theoretical 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.
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
0%
A
A.
B.
C.
0%
D.
B
A
B
C
0%
D
C
0%
D
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
“American sport embodies American
values…”
Do you agree or disagree with this
statement?
A. Agree
A
0%
C
C. Not sure
B
B. Disagree
A. A
B. B
C.
0% C
0%
You Play Like A Girl!
Functionalism
• Functionalists think sport is important
because it helps society work more
smoothly.
Olympic Success
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.
Functionalism (cont.)
• Dysfunctions of sport:
– The desire to win may cause extreme
violence.
– It may also cause cheating.
D
C
B
A
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
A. A
aggressive feelings generated
by the frustrations, anxieties,
B. B
and strains of modern life.
0% C.
0% C0%
0%
D. Sport encourages the
development of character.
D. D
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.
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.
What are some of the drugs that
athletes take?
A. Steroids
B. Growth hormones
C. Amphetamines
D. All of the above
0%
A
A.
B.
C.
0%
D.
B
A
B
C
0%
D
C
0%
D
Symbolic Interactionism
• This perspective concentrates on personal
meaning, social relationships, and selfidentity processes.
• The meanings of the symbols associated
with sports affect the self-concepts, as well
as the relationships, of those involved.
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.
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
How were social interaction and selfconcepts affected by sports?
A. Hustle
B. Weaker
C. Aggressive behavior
D. Loss of self-esteem
0%
A
A.
B.
C.
0%
D.
B
A
B
C
0%
D
C
0%
D
Olympic Success
Source: The World Almanac and Book of Facts, 2005.