2/18/15CHAPTER 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 (cliché) - 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