2 18 15 CHAPTER 3 LECTURE Socialization Operational definition the process of learning developing and evolving through social interaction How does it occur Via exchanges between and among individuals Socializing agents Individuals and groups Institutions Socialization basis Via social interaction model Organized around social theories Functionalism and socialization Perspective Socialization viewed as a vehicle for molding and shaping individuals to fit into and contribute to the smooth and orderly operation of society Internalization model of socialization Socially approved rules and roles in society instilled and reinforced in youths often through sport participation Research studies Studies have enhanced sport involvement understanding but have yielded inconsistent findings Few studies actually shed light on the ongoing process of sport socialization e g character development Research focus frequently centered around why people participate in sport programs Studies have focused on influencers of youth sport participation Comparisons drawn between sport participants and non participants Quantitatively designed studies i e questionnaires and surveys Attempts made to assess benefits of sport participation in society Conflict theory and socialization Perspective Views socialization as a process whereby individuals are shaped and molded by economic forces to become obedient and loyal citizens and who unquestioningly consume goods and services e g athletic shoes equipment and apparel commercials Views rigidly structured win oriented programs as turn off to kids Quite different than functionalism Internalization model Addresses how socialization process serves the economic needs of a capitalistic society Research studies Fewer studies than functionalist theory Suggests programs maintain status quo Research focus studies have tended to reflect how sport frequently attempts to maintain the status quo Possible research questions How do powerful individuals control sport for self serving interests Cues franchise free agency ticket prices and PSL How why have low income working class ethnic minorities and women had fewer sport opportunities Cues subcontract 2 25 15 Interactionist theory Perspective The social world dictates mental and physical processes The social world is an interactionist concept that refers to a way of life and mindset Research focus Seek information on processes through which people make decisions about sport participation Detailed descriptions of sport experiences desired Research studies Utilizes qualitative research models i e field observations and interviews Several significant elements must be considered when studying sport and sport participation via an interactionist perspective 1 The social world of the sport or activity 2 The social world of the individual 3 The overall culture that houses the activity These elements give insight into socialization processes and experiences Socialization can occur via media images and depictions Participation non participation and withdrawal studies Numerous studies designed to determine why individuals participate in or shun sport and physical activity programs Noteworthy factors Chronological age of respondents Perceived cultural importance Social acceptance of sport activity involvement Achievement of personal and or group goals Self concept Socialization studies Must address the ways sport fitness participation patterns are connected with developmental and cultural issues Personal individual perceptions and abilities and social factors significance and milieu along with political economic and cultural forces influence sport fitness socialization Character building via sport Sports build character Widely used phrase clich Often used to recruit parents and children fun sport programs and promote leagues and international competition Concept evolved during mid 19th century from the exclusive British public schools Administrators believed that competitive sports and games produced certain values loyalty morality discipline and patriotism Baron Plerre de Coubertin Modern Olympic architect Espoused the perceived benefits gleaned from sport participation athletics Research on character building via sport Since the 1950s researchers have seriously questioned the test validity of character logic and sport involvement Research findings on the effects of character building and sport have been inconsistent Several faulty assumptions 1 All sports provide character building aspects 2 Athletes internalize all character shaping lessons 3 Character building aspects viewed as unique to sport non sport participants miss such experiences 4 All athletes have similar sport experiences Americanization via character building and sport Competitive sports used to reshape cultural values of immigrants and colonized people globally Used to teach working classes in industrialized societies the value of goal achievement organization and productivity Religious groups view competitive sports as means for developing moral character Parents expect youth sport programs to provide character building experiences Pro athletes testimonials validate perceptions Research studies inconsistent at best Findings have not proved that participating in competitive sports has any significant character building effects Acceptance of character development Emanates from various notions 1 Halo effect The belief that people who do great things must be great people 2 Hero worshipping The tendency to ignore information that tarnishes or defames our heroes 3 Media portrayals and depictions No always true portrayals 4 The use of visible and articulate athletes Perceived models of character building Power and performance vs pleasure and participation Diverse goals and objectives Experiences and outcomes vary Program expectations and desires and critical Athletes as role models Perceptions and consequences Unrealistic expectations may be placed on athletes on and off field Major disappointments can occur when expectations are not actualized Athletes also buy into the myth that sports builds positive character Sport has aspects that are contradictory to character building Social consequences Society often ignores situational and cultural factors influencing athletes behaviors Milieu impacts development and regardless of later success individuals may not alter earlier modes of behavior Gender relations and character building Defined in manly perspectives The character of male