SPMT 319 chapters 1-6 Questions and Correct Solutions

Sport is - "an institutionalized competitive activity involving two or more opponents and stressing physical exertion by serious competitors who represent or are part of formally organized associations" (Nixon, 1984, p. 13). "a competitive activity involving at least two competitors, requiring physical skill, following formal rules, and occurring within a formal organizational framework" (LeUnes, 2008, p. 5). Sport represents - "well-established, officially governed competitive physical activities in which participants are motivated by internal and external rewards" (Coakley, 2009, p. 6). What is physical activity? - all bodily movements that cause increases I physical exertion beyond that which occurs during normal daily activities Any body movement produced by skeletal muscles and resulting in a substantial increase over the resting energy expenditure what does exercise improve - appearance, fitness, health and reduces stress What is exercise? - a specific form of physical activity in which the individual engages for the purpose of improving fitness or health form of leisure activity that is undertaken in order to achieve a particular objective (improve appearance or reduce stress) what is health - state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity How does Sociology differ from Biology and Psychology? - Sociology looks at the broad picture and biology and psychology focus on the individual level. Sociology looks at cultural and society's influences. 3 Key assumptions of sociology? - 1. People are social by nature. 2. People attitudes and behaviors are shaped by family and friends. 3. People create, change, shape and challenge the social context in which they are situated. How does sociology relate to sport and physical activity? - Sport and physical activity deals with questions like" How are some sports valued and promoted while others are not?' What is Sport? - an institutionalized competitive activity involving two or more opponents, stressing physical exertion. What four things does Sport involve: - Physical in nature, at least 2 people, competition, bound by formal rules of competition. What is the difference between values and sports? - Values are culturally derived. Sports reaffirms certain social values. Success - Winning is glorified, personal excellence measure by the amount of success one has achieved, both is society and sport. Competition - Found in all places of society. It makes sports unique from other activities. What are the negative outcomes of competition? - Survival of the fittest and winning becomes the "end all and be all" where coaches and players engage in illegal activities for the sake of winning. Valued means to achieve? - Hard work Continued striving for excellence. Deferred gratification What does society value? - a brighter future What does sport value? - striving for continual improvement and progress towards goals, setting new records, winning more games. Materialism in Society? - the main goal is to accumulate possessions and gain status. Materialism in Sports? - Many times people will judge who's the better athlete by how much their net worth is. External Conformity in society? - Society cannot tolerate total freedom by individuals so they socialize individuals into acceptable practices and beliefs. External Conformity in Sports? - Conformity is highly valued and promotes team unity. What is an example of sport being a microcosm of society? - Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier. What is Social Capital? - features of social organization such as networks, norms, and social trust which can foster cooperation and mutual benefits. Bonding social capital? - Relationships with similar others Bridging social capital? - relationships/networks with dissimilar others What is theory? - Theory is a statement of relationships between units observed or approximated in the empirical world? a statement of constructs and their relationships to one another that explain how, when, why, and under what conditions phenomena take place What else is theory? - A story about how and why events in the universe occur Theory - articulations of phenomenon; will tell you how and why something is happening; a way of understanding society How is theory used in sport? - It helps us understand how sport and physical activity impact the use and perceptions of who we are What are the 4 social theories in sport? - 1. Functional 2. Conflict 3. Critical 4. Symbolic interactionism What does the functionalistic theory focus on? - systems being interconnected with valued parts What are the potential weaknesses of the functionalist theory? - over simplification and assumes all people experience sport the same way What is the Conflict Theory? - Emphasis is on power and economics What is the focus of Conflict theory? - focuses on disharmony,social discord, and conflict what is the focus of interaction theory - focuses on how people interact with their environment to create meaning in their lives. what is the focus of hegemony theory - focuses on power and how power is maintained what is the focus of critical race theory - Centralizes race and racism in their analysis, questions theory of color blindness and racial equality. what is functionalism theory - sport is seen as a positive contributor to society and benefits participants through development of better health and wellness, character development, and the ability to learn life lessons What is an example of Conflict Theory? - Major league baseball teams exploit players being trained in other countries by paying them less than they are worth What is a potential weakness of Conflict Theory? - Economic emphasis; not all sports boil down to money What is Critical Theory? - Groups are characterized by shared values and conflicts of interest. Agreements are never permanent. What is a potential weakness in Critical Theory? - Points out weaknesses