How Sociologists Seek to Understand The Sporting World

Sociologists focus on systematic studies of the society and social interaction. It tends to explain how the community affects the people that live in it. It also critically reviews how these very people affect the society. Social being defined as the ongoing concerting and the coordination of the activities of individuals, sociology, therefore, qualifies to be the study of all that is characterized by social. A sub-discipline of sociology that mainly focuses on the study of sports as a social phenomenon is termed as sports sociology. The primary focus here is to critically review how sociologists seek to understand the sporting world as a whole. In addition to that, there will be a review of the various sociological theories of sports and explanation of how the difference in gender affects the sports participation.

Theoretical Foundations in Sports Sociology

Several theories have helped to explain and understand the sociology of sports. These theories include; the conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, critical theory and structural functionalism. In critical theory, the primary emphasis is grounded on the materialist interpretation of historical work, rational analysis, a critical stance on the social arrangement and a political program of reform and revolution (Smith and Hattery, 2017, p113). It mainly draws attention to the differentials in power such as the conflict amongst different classes. It is thus viewed as a macro level of analyzing the society. Structural functionalism theory views the society as a complex model, whose different parts work in cooperation to promote stability and solidarity.

Symbolic Interactionism and Gender Roles

Symbolic interactionism, on the other hand, develops from various practical considerations. These considerations allude to the utilization of dialect by people, for making normal implications for the various deductions that help in correspondence with others. Under the critical theory, there is a stress on the reflective assessment and the critique of society and is done by the application of the knowledge form social sciences and various subjects of humanity. It strives to liberate the humans from the circumstances which enslave them.

Gender Dynamics in Sports Participation

In most of the premodern societies, the role of gender, particularly for the females and the males in sports was majorly reinforced at a young and tender age. The sociology that was keenly observed to be surrounding sports was grounded on the idea that sports are for the most masculine (Chalip, 2015, p398). The men are more masculine than females. Regarding this, the females were therefore sidelined and discriminatively exempted from the participation in various sporting activities. This was grounded in the argument that they are delicate and thus prone to injuries, given their less muscular nature. They were thus encouraged to participate more in the noncompetitive games while the competitive ones were left behind for the males.

The Impact of Injuries on Athletes' Lives

The impacts of the various sporting activities were to serve as a preparatory model for children to adulthood. During the games, there was a distinct separation of roles between the men and women (Delaney and Madigan, 2015). The separation was majorly expressed through the media and the gender identity. In fact, it has been commonly observed that in the media, the sports played by men are more prominent in comparison to the women sports. The broadcast of the sports between these two genders also vary. There is a clear and distinct contrast in the kind of sports that is taken by each gender. While the male takes part in more combative and confronting coordination games, the women take part in games that are more stylish and individual and are more stylish.

Social Barriers Faced by Disabled Athletes

Thorough research conducted by sociologists has proven that the effects of sustained injuries are not just limited to one aspect of an athlete’s life; there are also biological, social and emotional domains that are severely affected. Studies were conducted particularly on temporary psychology of both injured and uninjured players. The injured ones demonstrated a lower psychological effect than uninjured ones. They showed low self-esteem. In most cases their thoughts were negative. Their levels of depression were also discovered to be considerably high. This is a clear proof of how severe effects of sports injuries can have on social life an athlete.

Identity Issues in Sports Participation

The participation in sports crosses most boundaries, particularly racial and ethnic boundaries. However, it is notable that a person’s identity may provide an upper hand towards participation in particular sporting activity (Chalip, 2015,p 399). The society holds very strong ethnic and racial labels and these when applied to particular sports may lead to identity particular sports being viewed as self-defining. The aspect self-defining as ascribed in sports may have its historical roots. This is particular to African-American athletes. As far as racial matters are concerned it was discovered that most obvious assertion made by particular athlete has greatly to do with assertions they make about themselves.

The Role of Sports in Inclusivity

People with disabilities have been victims of various societal barriers. The fact that one has a physical disability evokes some negative perception; discrimination dominates in most societies (Delaney & Madigan, 2015). Sociologists have however identified sports to be one such field that transcends all forms barriers ranging from linguistic to racial even social barriers .It acts as standard platform for participation inclusion all manner diversities differences .Through this persons disabilities thus accommodated .Being considered incapable participating makes feels like part others fosters their inclusion all manner activities others participate.

Conclusion: The Crucial Role of Sociology

Indeed it is evident sociology plays utmost crucial role far as sport equality concerned .The various theories put place understanding sociology sport instrumental enabling learners appreciate aspects sociology sport well applicability contemporary society .Various aspects stigma discrimination viewed more sociological aspect critical analysis helps understanding initial current direction society about matter.