Sports as an Agent of Socialization.

Sports as an Agent of Socialization

What role do sports play in adolescents’ lives?

Topic Intro:

While people may believe that sports are something that is just for fun or relaxation, sports goes far beyond that. Even farther beyond the opportunities they give for college scholarships and careers. Sports are also an agent of socialization. Through sports, men and women learn concepts of self that stay with them in their later lives. The attitude that “sports builds character” runs deep in American culture, but sports are supposed to pass on values such as competitiveness, the work ethic, fair play, and a winning attitude. So sports are a good example of the power of socialization in our everyday lives. So what role do sports play in adolescents’ lives?

Scholarly Journals & Explanations:

Sport and Society

James H. Frey and D. Stanley Eitzen

Sport is a very prominent social institution in almost every society because it combines the characteristics found in any institution with a unique appeal only duplicated by, perhaps, religion. The functional, conflict, and cultural studies perspectives are reviewed, with additional discussion on how sport relates to the processes of socialization and social change. The latter focuses on the evolution of sport from a playful, participation-oriented activity to one that resembles a corporate form guided by the principles of commercialism and entertainment. The role of sport in international relations and national development dramatizes the political meaning of sport to many societies. While sport may be integrative at the higher political levels, it has not been so at the interpersonal levels of  gender and race. The inequality that characterizes society's relations of gender and race is found in sport as well. 

http://ida.lib.uidaho.edu:3860/stable/2083352?&Search=yes&searchText=socialization&searchText=Sports&searchText=agent&list=hide&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3DSports%2Bas%2Ban%2Bagent%2Bof%2Bsocialization%26acc%3Don%26wc%3Don&prevSearch=&item=7&ttl=1282&returnArticleService=showFullText

Social agents, achievement goals, satisfaction and academic achievement in youth sport.

Athanasios G. Papaioannoua, , , , George Ampatzogloub, Periklis Kalogiannisb, Alexandros Sagovitsb

This study examined the contribution of motivational climate created by mothers, coaches, and best friends in the explanation of variance of athletes’ achievement goals, sport satisfaction and academic performance.

http://ida.lib.uidaho.edu:2104/science/article/pii/S1469029207000192

Photograph:

Video Clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9tpy25BFH4

Internet Sites & Explanations:

Importance of Youth Involvement in Sports - Caroline Payne and Kate Fogarty

University of Florida IFAS Extension

This website explores how sports provide numerous opportunities for children and teenagers to grow socially, emotionally, and physically. Furthermore, it also discusses how sports also allow youth to learn and practice in a competitive environment. Lastly is discusses that while sports may increase children's positive social interaction with adults and one another, they can also create stressful environments for children. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1001

THE IMPORTANCE OF SPORTS FOR CHILDREN - Sarah Smenyak

Via Livestrong.com

This website talks about again the social, emotional, and physical benefits sports have on adolescents. In addition, it also talks about the history of sports as well as recommendations for physical activity for adolescents.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/72559-importance-sports-children/

News Item: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4bUBGKd1QI

This video is a news report by Npt Reports. It is an update on Children Health and also discusses the benefits of physical activity. 

http://www.hlntv.com/video/2012/09/19/back-school-football-coach-paul-standard

This is another news reports, via HLN. It a video interview of a high school football coach. The coach discusses what his goals are as a coach and what he wants to see from his athletes on the field.