Sociological theory applied to equal opportunities- Key terms, Definitions of key Terminology and Social action theory Flashcards

Question

Social stratification can impact on the sports participation of an individual. One example of social stratification may be the class that an individual belongs to. **Evaluate** the different sporting experiences that upper class and working class 15-year-olds may have and how this might impact on their life-long participation in sport. **[8 marks]**

Answer 1

**AO1 – Knowledge of social stratification and social class** * Social stratification is a type of social inequality where society is divided into different levels based on a social characteristic * Social class is a term used to define social inequalities * e.g. certain groups have more access to wealth, income and power than others. * Factors which contribute to social class include a person’s job, family, background, education and income **AO2 – Application of social class to experiences in sport (variety and amount)** * An upper class 15 year is likely to have greater access to a wide range of sports * This is because they will be able to afford equipment, membership fees etc which are required to participate * It may be suggested that they will also be better educated having access to facilities at school but also having a greater understanding of the importance of being physically active * However, there may be greater pressure from parents/school for upper class students to perform well in education which may limit the time they have available for sport * A working class 15-year-old may not have access to as many sports as they may not be able to afford equipment, membership fees etc. which are required to participate * Their main provider of sporting experiences is likely to be there school * They may have less time to participate if they have a part time job * It may be however that the working-class child plays more sport than the upper-class child * This could be because they have more time due to lower expectations to perform well in education * They may see sport as a means of social mobility and a way to change their social class **AO3 – Evaluation of impact on life-long participation** * As upper-class children will be able to try more sports it increases the chances of them finding one they enjoy * Understanding the importance of physical activity for health and wellbeing also means they are more likely to make time to take part in sport * May be less likely to enjoy life-long participation * Due to pressure of job/responsibilities/lack of motivation * (A working class 15-year-old may not have access to as many sports as they may not be able to afford equipment, membership fees etc. which are required to participate.) This may limit the likelihood of them participating throughout their life as they may have negative experiences * Only playing sports they don’t enjoy or playing in substandard facilities or with substandard equipment * May be more likely to enjoy life-long participation * Due to it providing income/additional income/escapism * Social class not fixed so may move classes during lifetime, impacting participation Credit other relevant evaluation of the different sporting experiences that an upper class and working class 15-year-old may have and how this might impact on their life-long participation in sport.

Answer 2

**_Type / choice of activity_** * Social Class – may affect which activity choice is made – tennis / horse riding (1) * Those with higher socio-economic status can select schooling (public / state schools) – better facilities in more affluent areas, some sports are still associated to wealth (1) * It may be that sections or certain groups of society are still underrepresented in specific sports (1) * Some in society may feel inferior / unwelcomed / embarrassed to participate in certain sports (1). **_Number of opportunities_** * Those individuals with more disposable income may be able to access clubs, facilities and resources more readily (1) * It may be that sections or certain groups of society are still underrepresented in sport overall (1). **_Time / money / transport_** * Social Class – lower status families may place more emphasis on children working or contributing to chores / education (1) * Social class may now not be having such an impact as there are clubs and facilities accessible for all classes (1).

Answer 3

**_Discrimination_** AO1 (Definition) – Discrimination is unfair treatment of a person based on a stereotype or prejudice (1) AO2 (Sporting example) – A person with a disability would be discriminated against if they were denied access to a club because they were a wheelchair user (1). AO3 (Explanation of impact of unfair treatment) – Without the same level of access as other groups of users / With reduced confidence / As a result of feeling excluded those with a disability will be less likely to take part in sport (1). **_Stereotyping_** AO1 (Definition) – A stereotype is a preconceived idea about a group (1) AO2 (Sporting example) – Some people may believe that women should not play sport / certain sports (1). AO3 (Explanation of impact of stereotyping) – If women / others in positions of power believe these stereotypes then they may feel they cannot participate leading to under-representation of women in sport (1). All examples should relate to how discrimination and stereotyping cause low participation rates amongst underrepresented groups in sport. The explanation of how discrimination and stereotyping can cause low participation rates amongst underrepresented groups in sport should relate to an individual and so the impact of fewer role models, media coverage etc.. is not creditworthy. Accept other appropriate definitions / explanations of how discrimination and stereotyping can cause low participation rates amongst underrepresented groups in sport. **Max 6 marks**

Answer 4

BLM Kick it out Football fans outrage about the European Super league Juan mata's common goal movement

Answer 5

* Social action theory considers how sport can impact society (1). * Society is created by social interaction/interactionalist theory (1). * By interacting with others, people create organisations e.g. schools/clubs/campaign groups (1). * These organisations influence people/shape wider society, eg expecting people to obey the rules of the organisation/decreasing racism (1). * Interactions lead to change in the social processes that exist (1). * Social institutions are the product of the interaction of the people with and within the institution (1). * Promotes sports becoming more democratic/preventing the dominance of one group (1). * Individual motives/meanings for sports participation can vary (1). Accept any other appropriate description of social action theory. Maximum 4 marks

Answer 6

**Discrimination** AO1 (Definition) – Discrimination is unfair treatment of a person based on a stereotype or prejudice (1) AO2 (Sporting example) – A person with a disability would be discriminated against if they were denied access to a club because they were a wheelchair user (1). AO3 (Explanation of impact of unfair treatment) – Without the same level of access as other groups of users / With reduced confidence / As a result of feeling excluded those with a disability will be less likely to take part in sport (1). **Stereotyping** AO1 (Definition) – A stereotype is a preconceived idea about a group (1) AO2 (Sporting example) – Some people may believe that women should not play sport / certain sports (1). AO3 (Explanation of impact of stereotyping) – If women / others in positions of power believe these stereotypes then they may feel they cannot participate leading to under-representation of women in sport (1). All examples should relate to how discrimination and stereotyping cause low participation rates amongst underrepresented groups in sport. The explanation of how discrimination and stereotyping can cause low participation rates amongst underrepresented groups in sport should relate to an individual and so the impact of fewer role models, media coverage etc.. is not creditworthy. Accept other appropriate definitions / explanations of how discrimination and stereotyping can cause low participation rates amongst underrepresented groups in sport.

Answer 7

**Benefits** (sub max 2 marks) * Opportunity for upward social mobility / way out / escape / earn money * Role models / encourages younger performers / pride / self esteem * Inner city schemes to control youth / social control / integration into mainstream culture * Increased talent pool **Problems** (sub max 2 marks) * Reaffirm stereotypes / cultural clash / increases racism / separation * Reaffirms expectation that the route out is through sport and not educational attainment * Can lead to channelling / labelling / stacking by teachers / coaches

Answer 8

Award one mark for each of the following points (max 3 marks): * No physical contact * Can be pursued non-competitively/ self paced * Considered a suitable/appropriate activity to develop fitness/toning/equiv * Can be pursued in an all female environment * No requirement to join a club/team/individual activity * Family friendly/can do with children * Flexible time opportunities

Answer 9

* Increased self esteem / confidence * Challenge / develop new skills / achievement * Health / physical development * Active role in society * Less ‘them and us’ attitude / public awareness and acceptance of disability sport / reduce stereotypes * Inclusion/integration into society * More participation - higher standards reached / role models * Allows them to be competitive / can be a spectator / increase knowledge in specialised coaching

Answer 10

AO1 – Knowledge of the potential individual and societal benefits of raising participation Individual benefits – Eg Increase in physical activity can lead to increased personal physical health (eg CHD reduced, hypertension, less chance of becoming obese, less sedentary), increased mental health, increased fitness, skill development. Societal benefits of more active nation – Eg reduced crime rates, constructive use of time of the masses, community spirit, legacy projects, more/improved facilities, reduced NHS costs. AO2 – Application of individual health benefits and impact on society Eg increased health of the individual, eg less risk of CHD, therefore increased health of nation. Improved mental health due to increased self-confidence as a result of participating with others/ improving health and fitness. Greater opportunity to develop social cohesion through increased participation in team activities/games. With increased access to opportunities to participate, individuals can use time more constructively, therefore, less likely to become bored/commit petty offences. AO3 – Analysis/Evaluation of relationship between raising participation and the health benefits to individual and the impact on society Eg Due to increased health of nation, less funding required for NHS/health care and increased productivity as fewer days absent from work. An increase in physical activity is a positive lifestyle change, which could lead to further positive lifestyle choices, eg quitting smoking, which would mean further reduction in costs across society for health care. Increased social cohesion could lead to improved community cohesiveness, with members of the community taking greater pride in their environment. In addition, as time is used constructively, vandalism and other anti-social behaviour is less likely to occur, improving the quality of the neighbourhood. Credit other relevant points on the relationship between raising participation in physical activity and the health benefits to the individual and the impact on society. Max 15 marks

Answer 11

A Make PE interesting/fun/enjoyable/rewards B Single sex/female only groups C Offer a wider range of activities/female appropriate sport eg yoga D Suited to modern/fashion/cultural/image needs/relaxed dress code E Other roles and leadership/coaching opportunities F Offer clubs (for girls)/extra-curricular activities/social recreational G Improve links with local clubs/associations/run sportivate projects Accept other relevant campaigns such as ‘This Girl Can’ H Advertise/posters for clubs/opportunities outside of school I Emphasise importance of a healthy lifestyle J Inspirational teachers/role models/specialist women coaches

Answer 12

**Primary socialisation greater impact (sub max 2)** * Primary socialisation occurs in early years so has a large impact on core values/beliefs. (1) * Core values/beliefs created during primary socialisation will be very strong/difficult to change in later years. (1) * Primary socialisation involves family members who you rely on to provide opportunities/support to participate in sport. (1) **Secondary socialisation greater impact (sub max 2)** * Secondary socialisation can occur over a longer period of time than primary socialisation so can change core values/beliefs. (1) * Secondary socialisation comes from a broader range of sources which may make the messages more powerful than those coming only from immediate family. (1) * Secondary socialisation is a result of your own choices/control regarding sports participation. (1) * Peer pressure is a powerful force which can override primary socialisation. (1) Accept any other appropriate evaluation of whether primary or secondary socialisation has a greater impact on an individual’s participation in sports throughout their life. Maximum 3 marks