2 11 15 Chapter 2 LECTURE Social theories applied to sport Analyzing sport and social life Social theories There is no best theoretical approach The value of the theory lies in what is being studied and the research question posed All theories have specific strengths and weaknesses Functionalism The driving force underlying all social life is the tendency for an social system to maintain itself in a state of balance homeostasis so it can continue to operate efficiently and effectively Homeostasis is a state of balance or equilibrium Basic Assumption Society is an organized system of interrelated parts Societies are held together because people share the same basic values Functionalists believe that society is best analyzed by using a systems approach Systems approach if basic systems are satisfied social order will be preserved and everyone will benefit Sport viewed as a social institution Serves to reinforce current value system status quo Dysfunction occurs when certain behaviors or forms of organization upset the balance Functionalists view social change as dysfunctional unless it occurs in a slow gradual and methodical manner status quo Status quo refers to keeping things the same resistance to change or conservative in thought and or nation Examples of functionalists resistance Title IX equity in sport for women Baseball Desegregation the color barrier Prep School and Pros high school players going directly to the pros American pro athletes in the Olympics prior to Dream Team Pro sport free agency Playoff System in college football FBS In each example functionalists presented opposition because major chance was sought Functionalists do not endorse major or radical change Similar societal examples include school desegregation busing civil rights 1960s etc Functionalism Tends to emphasize the ways in which sport contributes to personal growth and the preservation of social order Popular among those who want to preserve order stability and balance in society Perceived benefits and outcomes of sport participation functionalists view Healthy way for individuals to let off steam vent Social togetherness Goal attainment and acquisition Health and fitness Nationalism and nationalistic pride Militaristic military preparedness Establish and develop character Strengthen values and work ethic Instills discipline and structure Limitations and shortcomings Benefits of sport participation often exaggerated or unrealistic Ill effects of sport rarely discussed e g steroid abuse Sport may interfere with more important needs and gals e g graduation Morals values and priorities may be distorted e g point shaving The notion that all groups and or individuals in society have the same needs Hyper sport participation may be beneficial to some and detrimental to others e g Blacks The assumption that what is good or prized by the dominant societal group must be valued by all e g Eurocentric values vs Native America values According to Coakley 2007 sports are social constructions Created and defined by individuals often to promote certain personal interests and agendas Coakley in Eitzen s Sport in Contemporary Society states those who tend to be less critical or uncritical of sport in the U S appear to favor a functionalist approach Conflict theory Calls attention to contradictions dilemmas controversies and tensions in society Sport viewed as a diversionary element or opiate Sport used to take participants and spectators minds off of real world problems issues and conditions e g recreation centers in ghetto areas 2 16 15 Basic assumption Social order is based on economic interests and economic power Money wealth and economic power shape society and are major factors in how it operates Sports are shaped by the structure of the economic system and society Important points A major focus is on how sports are used by powerful people to promote attitudes and relationships that enable them to maintain their power and privilege e g team owners and free agency team owners and new franchises United States and Olympic competition etc Like functional theory conflict theory assumes that society is driven and shaped by specific needs the needs are market economic or capital needs Functionalism views the needs as order balance and stability Conflict theory Unlike functional theory focus is on how sports reflect the unequal distribution of power and economic resources and how this system is perpetuated Economic power is an important aspect Class relations are of major concern Draws attention to the negative consequences of sport and the need for radical changes in sport and society Purports to make sport more humane creative and expressive as well as enhance physical well being Proponents lauded because they have called attention to many problems in sport and the need for change Title IX Players association and unions Athlete representation in sport decision making Attempts to acquaint players and spectators with how they may be manipulated and oppressed by those who stand to profit from sport Health initiatives Supportive or players associations and unions Vehicles for change Unions and players associations Help distribute power and wealth within a given society or organization Perceived benefits and outcomes Exposes some of the myths and unfounded assumptions perpetuated in sport Sheds light on the structural underpinnings of sport and sport involvement Conceivable empowers disenfranchised groups via system questioning Provides an alternative perspective for analyzing sport Limitations and shortcomings Assumes that all social life is driven and shaped by economic forces Ignores demographics age sex ethnicity etc as factors influencing the ways people think about themselves Emulates a strict Marxist view everything revolves around class relationships Paints a grim landscape of sport many view it as too negative Those who are critical of American society and the status quo will most often endorse conflict theoretical perspective Critical theory ies Sport is more than a reflection of society Alternatives to functional and conflict theories Tend to be more flexible and contemporary May be distinct specific or eclectic multiple theories Include feminists neo marxists and culturalists Tend to focus and attempt to explain culture power and social relations Concerned with how sports affect the processes through which people develop and maintain cultural ideologies Research often attempts to focus on why sports have