SOCIOLOGY OF PHYSICAL
ACTIVITY
KNR 164
SOCIOLOGY
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Sociology is the systematic study of human social
life.
Sociologists apply both theoretical perspectives
and research methods to examinations of social
behavior
CULTURE
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Consists of the “ways of life” people create in a
group or society
These ways of life are created and changed as
people interact with each other, as they come to
terms with, and even struggle over how to
Do things and organize their lives
 Relate to each other
 Make sense out of their experiences
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SOCIOLOGY OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
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The study of sport and physical activity from a
sociological perspective
 Interested
in the connection of these activities to the social and
cultural contexts in which they exist
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Overall, sports and sport images have become a
pervasive part of our everyday lives, especially
those of us living in countries where resources
are relatively plentiful and the media are
widespread. For this reason, sports are logical
topics for the attention of sociologists and anyone
else concerned with social life today.
PSYCHOLOGY VS. SOCIOLOGY
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Psychologists study behavior in terms of
attributes & processes that exist inside
individuals
Sociologists study behavior in terms of the
social conditions and cultural contexts in which
people live their lives
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SPORT ARE A
SOCIAL PHENOMENA
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Physical activity and sport are related to the
social and cultural contexts in which we live
Physical activity and sport provide stories &
images used to explain & evaluate these contexts
Physical activity and sport provide a window into
culture and society
IDEOLOGIES

The sets of interrelated ideas that people
use
To give meaning to the world
 To make sense of the world
 To identify what is important, right, and natural in
that world
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Characteristics of Ideologies
They are never established “once and for all time”
 They emerge as people struggle over the meaning
and organization of social life
 They are complex and sometimes inconsistent
 They change as power relationships change in society
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MAJOR PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS IN THE
SOCIOLOGY OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SPORT
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The International Sociology of Sport Association
(ISSA)
The North American Society for the Sociology of
Sport (NASSS)
The Sport Sociology Academy (SSA) in
AAHPERD (American Alliance for Health,
Physical Education, Recreation & Dance)
FEMALES IN SPORTS
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Title IX of the Educational Amendment Act 1972
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“no person ... shall on the basis of sex, be excluded
form participation in, be denied the benefits of or be
subjected to discrimination under any educational
program or activity receiving federal assistance.”

Challenges to Title IX (narrow interpretation)
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1988 Civil Rights Restoration Act (broad)

Demanded equal opportunity for both sexes in all
programs in any organization that received federal
funds.
MINORITIES IN SPORT
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Racism and prejudice in sport...
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Integration of sports
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1946, Jackie Robinson became the first AfricanAmerican to play professional baseball for the
Dodgers
Participation patterns of minorities
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Is sport “color blind”?
Black athletes’ participation concentrated in a few
sports
Underrepresentation of minorities in certain
sports and sport administration
SPORT FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Youth sports have grown tremendously
 Widespread concern about the nature and
outcomes associated with the programs
 Benefits associated with participation have long
been heralded
 Many of the criticisms stem from the
overemphasis on winning
 National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS)
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INTERNATIONAL SPORT: THE OLYMPICS
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Olympic ideals are lofty goals due to:
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Olympics used to further political goals by some
Media coverage
Nationalism undermining the goal of unity
Increased commercialization of the Games
Amateurism vs. professionalism
Restructuring of Games to attain goals in the
future? How?
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY SOCIOLOGY
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Develop programs to promote healthy living and
participation in physical activity with an
emphasis on community and culture
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Public Health physical activity specialist
Sports and health journalism
High school or college athletic director
Lecturing and research
Leisure management
Sports promotion and public relations
Community health specialist
Health advocacy
Nonprofit organizations