Sociology of Sport

When looking at sociology in sports there are four theoretical perspectives: Conflict, Functionalist, Interactionism and Feminist. My theoretical perspectives involving sports are not so easy to uncomplicated even for myself. There are many different areas in sports in which certain groups of people enjoy and other areas that are not so enjoyable; this is because everyone is different. I really do not believe that one theory can fit for one person. Out of the four theoretical perspectives (Conflict, Functionalist, Interactionist, and Feminist) is there one that is more important than the other? I would have to say no, because I am the type of person who looks at everyone's ideas and know that to one person something could be so much more important than to the other person or persons. The definitions of the four Theoretical Perspectives and a Sociological Perspective are:

* Sociological Perspective- The ways in which sociologist's look for general patterns in human's behavior. For instance people learn to mold to their society's norms, values and roles; which help people learn how to behave according to cultural norms.

* Conflict: The sport is more important the health and safety of an athlete. Gives an individual the thought of a false idea the failure is blamed on an individual instead of the whole team is blamed. There is much of inequality and a struggle for dominance with in sports. There are always the normal inequalities of gender, race, and social standing.

* Functionalist: Reinforce common values within the group/team. It maintains health and an individual's well-being. Also brings people together with the community/ nation that have common interests and/ or goals. Also a positive way to get away with letting out aggression, stress, tension. I have also read that there is a stability and structure with in a sport as well; which can teach individuals throughout the team to have those values.

* Interactionist: Sports can make a parent / parents / children argue or even make them closer together with goals and interests. This also can provide more of a larger social network for individuals and help them socialize outside of their normal groups. There is also the part of where friends and even family can push a bit too far to excel and make the relationship fall apart.

* Feminist: There are expectations for men and woman that can even be more or less than the other. For instance some men have the temptation to use steroids, and women have eating disorders to do their sport proficiently (gymnasts). This world has been based as a man's world; which has still followed within some of this generation.

Sports have engaged the interests of sociologists for several decades. The reason for this is first the complexity of the sport system. "It might even be called the most pluralistic sport system in the world". (Lewis, 2009) Second is the complexity of sports that touches all major institutions of society; media, politics, religion, education, friends and family. Individuals as well as I do not see that sports not only reflect within other aspects of culture and society but they also are very important in reproducing, transforming culture, producing and society. "Sports serve as a mechanism to bring individuals from different backgrounds together to work toward a common goal". (Brown) For some, there is parents that are having their children live out their dreams or maybe they push their kids for the kids own dreams and goals; then there are some that are in sports just because it's a way to keep busy and in shape. Sports are a way for individuals to learn social behavior and structure; even if it's a behavior that you do not bring out of the sport.

I feel that people participate in sports either as fans, players, or as a business because either they really enjoy it, a hobby, or they could be making some good money from them. I think that sports help a humans needs by letting stress out, frustration out, happiness, relaxation, or even helps some make money. Sports have drown a lot of negative activity for society, when they are more worried about the sport team profiting from their games or making their game area more updated than thinking about the needs in the town, city, state, or even the United States. For example; look at the taxes and other things they are changing just to make sure the "Minnesota Viking Stadium" is bigger and outrageously expensive. It may make the team look good or even the state; but what about the individuals in Minnesota that are hurting from the costs that are ridiculous just so they have a play zone.

For Society, Science of Sociology in sports is becoming more valuable as the centuries and years move forward. They are being taken a lot more serious than quite a few years ago they were thought as close minded, not smart, and just made things up of dishonesty. There is a lot of proof that shows sports are a great way to stay in good shape and to keep your health spectacular as well. There is also sports in schools that teach kids goals and structure; most schools do not allow kids to participate in the games or even practices if they have low grades, skip school, or even if they have been disobedient in school. It's great that school do that; especially since when kids are great as an athlete they get scouted for colleges or even more and they need the structure to move forward with their goals.

The reason people like sports so greatly is the social media and the economic benefit for the school, town or even on the parents or children when it comes to being physically healthy. There are many individuals that could love a sport and just not be physically able to achieve the greatness in that sport; but there are alternative sports that one can do and eventually maybe work up to getting fit to do the sport they love. There is also the ability to gain Self-Esteem with in a sport, but there is also a way for individuals to love Self-Esteem just from having too much pressure on them to never loose.

For the longest time there has been much controversy over Hockey and if it is safe for individuals; especially kids, too participate within this sport. Yes, Hockey involves a lot of physical contact, but what about football, soccer, lacrosse, and wrestling consist of? There isn't as much bickering about those sports being too rough or dangerous and they have physical contact just as much if not more. There is also the thought of getting hit by a ball through basketball, baseball or softball; but yet those are considered to be safe sports. Is there ever going to be a point in time where individuals see that no matter what sport you are in there is always the possibility of getting hurt or even worse. With that being said; it's a big reason why I have decided to do research on the Sport of