Sport

What is the sociology of sport Sociology of sport, sometimes referred to as sports sociology, is an area of sociology that focuses on sport as a social phenomenon and on the social and cultural structures, patterns, and organizations or groups engaged in sport

The difference between sociology and psychology of sport is that while the former focuses on sports as a social phenomenon, the latter is the study of a persons behavior in sport. Psychology of sport is a methodology that seeks to understand mental factors that affect performance in sport thereby enhancing individual and team performance.

Sports as social phenomena Johan Huizingas (19th century) in his Theory of the leisure Class demonstrated an interest of games in humans culture. He identified play as an antithesis to organized and institutionalized activity which requires the coming together of people. He came up with the sociology of sport.

Sports Sport comes from the old French despot meaning leisure. Sports commonly refer to activities where the physical capabilities of the competitor are the sole or primary determinant of the outcome (winning or losing).The term is also used to include activities such as mind sports and motor sports where mental acuity or equipment quality are major factors.

Why study sport Sport being a physical activity that occurs in a given cultural milieu and is socially structured, one needs to understand its prospects. This helps in upholding ones culture.

Six social theories A theory is a statement of relations among concepts within a set of boundary assumptions and constraints (Bacharach, 1989, p. 496). The social theories include Functionalist Theory, Conflict Theory, Interactionist Theory, Critical Theories, Feminist Theories, Figurational Theory.

Why the social theories To provide framework for Asking research questions, interpreting information, analyzing, understand, andor organizing and communicate complicated aspects of our living with and to the people around us.

What theories on sports in society.

Sport is a dependent function that depends a lot on the societal inclinations.