SPORT AND SOCIAL STRATIFICATION
I. Over view
A. Definition
A hierarchical arrangement of social groups into strata
(classes) that have unequal access to power and
privilege.
A shorter definition would be patterned inequality.
B. Characteristics of social stratification:
1. Social
2. Ancient
3. Ubiquitous
4. Diverse
5. Consequential
affects life style
affects life chances
II. Theoretical Explanations for Social Stratification
A. Structural Functional - Stratification exists because all
roles must be filled but some roles are more important
than others and therefore are differentially rewarded.
B. Conflict - Stratification exists because of inequalities in
our society which often are based on social definitions
for gender, race, religion disabilities, etc.
III. Sport and Social Stratification
A. Ways to analyze:
social class through sport
sport through social class
B. Elitism
examples of restricted access (clubs)
examples of levels of play
examples of type of sport
C. Mass participation
affected by social class
affected by economic opportunity
IV. Social Mobility
A. Movement across social strata. This can occur in both
upward and downward directions.
B. Is sport a vehicle for social mobility?
Examples
Factors that enhance
V. Sport Tends to Perpetuate Social Stratification
A. Perpetuates socioeconomic differences
B. Recreates socioeconomic differences
C. From one perspective, sport emphasizes inequality
rather than equality.