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Sports' Sociopolitical Impacts: Inequalities, Exploitation, and more Study notes Sociology in PDF only on Docsity!
KNPE167- Sociology Lectures for Exam WEEK 7: Le.
- Social Class: the social stratification of society based on various factors, including economic status, education, occupation, and cultural norms.
- both the material wealth and the social prestige associated with one's position in society.
- Socioeconomic Status (SES): a measure that combines factors, such as income, education level, and occupation to assess an individual or family's relative social standing.
- Educational access: Who has access to quality education?
- Occupational segregation: Who has opportunities for career advancement? What industries are dominated by what social classes?
- Cultural capital: How does cultural capital impact one’s access to educational and other opportunities? Capitalism
- Market-based model for production and distribution in society; an organizing logic
- Believes private corporations should control wealth and capital (not people or governments)
- Offers social mobility
- Creates hierarchies of people: employers vs. employees Capitalism & Neoliberalism
- Capitalism is an economic framework and neoliberalism is a a specific ideological approach to economic policy
- They typically operate together
- Neoliberalism goes beyond the
economic – it has social and political objectives Example: Healthcare
- Capitalist Framework: Healthcare provides are private practices that compete for services
- Neoliberal policies assist with this (i.e., deregulation, privatization)
- Capitalism stimulates economic growth within the healthcare sector by incentivizing investment in medical technology, infrastructure, and services
- NL = less government intervention in this
- Patients choose their providers = more competition = more money
- NL = it’s up to individual providers to prove their worth/success Pay to Play
- athletes are required to pay fees or expenses to participate in organized sports programs, teams, or competitions.
- Intertwined with capitalism & neoliberalism
- Marketization of sport
- Individual responsibility
- Privatization of opportunities
- Meritocracy narrative History of Sports & Social Class
- Early association between sports and class privilege
- Olympic Games in Ancient Greece
- Medieval & Renaissance Periods
- Continued through to aristocratic elite
- Hunting, horseback riding, archery, fencing, etc. Emergence of Organized Sport
- The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the emergence of organized sports within exclusive institutions, such as private schools, clubs, and universities.
Capitalism is an economic system characterized by private ownership of the means of production and the pursuit of profit. Neoliberalism is a political and economic ideology that emphasizes free-market capitalism, deregulation, privatization, and reduced government intervention in the economy. Neoliberal policies often promote the expansion of capitalism through globalization, deregulation, and austerity measures. Therefore, neoliberalism and capitalism are closely intertwined, with neoliberal policies promoting and sustaining capitalist practices. What is the difference between social class and SES? Social class refers to a hierarchical stratification of individuals or groups based on socioeconomic factors such as income, wealth, education, occupation, and social status. SES (Socioeconomic Status) is a broader concept that encompasses an individual's or family's social and economic position in society, including income, education, and occupation. While social class focuses more on the societal ranking of individuals or groups, SES considers a wider range of factors that contribute to socioeconomic standing. How has sport evolved into a capitalist industry? Sport has evolved into a capitalist industry through commercialization, sponsorship deals, television rights, ticket sales, merchandising, and the creation of professional leagues and franchises. In a capitalist system, profit motive drives the sports industry, leading to the commodification of athletes, teams, and events. This transformation has resulted in the professionalization of sports, the emergence of lucrative contracts for athletes and teams, and the marketing of sports as entertainment products. How does sport reinforce class inequalities? Sport reinforces class inequalities through various mechanisms, such as unequal access to resources and opportunities, differential participation rates based on socioeconomic status, and the concentration of wealth and power within elite sporting organizations. Additionally, the commercialization of sports often privileges affluent individuals and corporations, further widening the gap between the rich and the poor in sports participation, support, and representation. How has youth sports been impacted by the commercialization of sport? The commercialization of sport has significantly impacted youth sports by increasing competition, emphasizing specialization at a young age, prioritizing elite talent development, and commodifying youth athletes. Commercial interests, such as sponsorship deals, marketing campaigns, and media coverage, have led to the professionalization of youth sports, with an emphasis on profit generation rather than holistic development and participation. This trend has raised concerns about the exploitation of young athletes, the exclusion of marginalized communities, and the erosion of the values of sportsmanship and fair play. Le. 2 Labour vs. Athletic Labour
- Labour: refers to (physical) work done for wages.
- the exertion of physical or mental effort to produce goods or services.
- Athletic Labour: specifically refers to physical work that is related to sports or athletics
- includes training, practicing, competing Sport as a Political Economy CGA How do economic and political systems impact sports and the people involved in them? Economic and political systems profoundly influence sports and those involved in them. Economic systems such as capitalism shape sports through commercialization, sponsorship, and profit-seeking endeavors. Political systems regulate sports through laws, policies, and governmental interventions, impacting areas like funding for sports programs, infrastructure development, and international relations in sports. These systems can either facilitate equal opportunities and access to sports or exacerbate inequalities based on socioeconomic status, power dynamics, and political agendas. How do money, power, and policies shape the sports industry? Money, power, and policies play pivotal roles in shaping the sports industry. Wealthy individuals, corporations, and governing bodies wield power through financial investments, sponsorship deals, and media rights, influencing the direction and priorities of sports organizations. Policies established by governing bodies, governments, and international bodies regulate various aspects of the sports industry, including athlete contracts, doping regulations, anti-discrimination measures, and revenue sharing. The distribution of resources, opportunities, and rewards within the sports industry is often shaped by the interplay of money, power, and policies. How are athletes compensated for their labor? Athletes are compensated for their labor through various means, including salaries, endorsements, prize money, bonuses, appearance fees, and revenue-sharing agreements. In professional sports, athletes negotiate contracts with teams or individual sponsors, specifying terms of compensation, performance incentives, and endorsement opportunities. The compensation received by athletes varies significantly based on factors such as their skill level, marketability, sport popularity, and bargaining power. Additionally, athletes' compensation may be influenced by collective bargaining agreements, salary caps, revenue-sharing models, and sponsorship deals negotiated by sports leagues and governing bodies. How are resources distributed? Resources in sports are distributed through a complex interplay of factors such as funding, infrastructure, facilities, coaching, equipment, and opportunities for participation and development. Allocation of resources can be influenced by economic factors (e.g., sponsorship, ticket sales), political decisions (e.g., government funding, sports policies), and social dynamics (e.g., race, gender, class). Inequities in resource distribution can arise due to disparities in funding, access to facilities, coaching expertise, and opportunities for marginalized communities. Efforts to promote equity in resource distribution may involve initiatives such as grassroots programs, community outreach, investment in underprivileged areas, and policies aimed at reducing barriers to participation.
- becomes a bigger problem when the energy, training and investment is not desired by the child Child Labour in Sport Can Lead to (Sexual) Abuse
- Japanese athlete states “I was hit so many times I couldn’t count” Grassroots feeds the Elite System
- Positive Impacts: athletic development, enhance skills, open doors for future opportunities, scholarships, professional contracts, etc.
- Negative Impacts: heightened expectations, rigorous training, scarifies (socialization, education, personal development), physical and psychological strain, burnout, etc. Early Sport Specialization Ethical Considerations for Child Welfare
- Physical & psychological safety
- Age appropriate training
- Informed consent/autonomy
- Safeguarding against abuse New British Gymnastic Rules
- Gymnasts should be allowed opportunities to drink water throughout training, and should be allowed to go to the toilet "at the earliest available opportunity".
- No child under 12 can be taken out of school to train, and those over 12 can only miss school in "exceptional circumstances".
- No gymnasts aged 10 or under can be weighed. Children between 11-18 can only be weighed with both their consent that of a parent/guardian. Sports science or medical practitioners should do the weighing - not coaches - and only if there is "scientifically valid rationale" for it. Sport also exploits migrant labour
- Qatar world cup hired tons of labour to build stadium Post-Game Recap
What are the major consequences of sport as a political economy? Sport as a political economy has several consequences, including the commodification of athletes and events, the reinforcement of social hierarchies, and the perpetuation of power dynamics. Economic interests often dominate sports, shaping policies, resource allocation, and access to opportunities. This can lead to inequalities in participation, funding, and representation. Moreover, sports can be used as a tool for political agendas, influencing international relations, cultural diplomacy, and national identity. However, the politicization of sports can also result in controversies, protests, and conflicts, highlighting the intersection of sports with broader sociopolitical issues. How is sport capitalist labor? Sport can be viewed as capitalist labor when athletes' talents, skills, and performances are commodified for profit within the capitalist economic system. Athletes, particularly in professional sports, often sign contracts with teams, leagues, or sponsors, exchanging their labor for financial compensation. Their performances generate revenue through ticket sales, broadcasting rights, merchandise sales, and sponsorship deals, contributing to the capitalist economy. Athletes may also be subjected to market pressures, exploitation, and precarious working conditions similar to other laborers in capitalist systems. How does sport reify capital logics? Sport reifies capital logics by embodying and perpetuating capitalist values such as competition, profit maximization, individualism, and consumerism. In sports, success is often measured in terms of financial gains, marketability, and winning at all costs. Athletes, teams, and leagues become brands that are marketed and consumed by fans and sponsors. The pursuit of profit drives decisions related to player contracts, sponsorship deals, stadium construction, and broadcasting rights. This commodification of sports reinforces the dominance of capital logics within the sports industry and society at large. What makes childhood labor problematic? Childhood labor in sports raises ethical and sociological concerns due to issues such as exploitation, safety risks, limited education, and psychological pressures. Young athletes may be subjected to intense training regimes, rigorous schedules, and high-performance expectations, often at the expense of their well-being and development. The emphasis on early specialization and professionalization can deprive children of a balanced childhood, social interactions, and educational opportunities. Moreover, the power dynamics between adult coaches, parents, and young athletes may lead to abusive or exploitative situations, highlighting the need for safeguards and regulations to protect children in sports. How does sport exploit migrant workers? Sport can exploit migrant workers through various means, including labor migration for construction projects, event staffing, and support services. Mega sporting events such as the Olympics and FIFA World Cup often require extensive infrastructure development, leading to the recruitment of migrant workers for construction projects. These workers may face exploitative working conditions, low wages, unsafe environments, and limited legal protections. Additionally, migrant workers may be employed as event staff, security personnel, or hospitality
In "Sport and Social Stratification" by Beamish (2015), the article
delves into the relationship between sport and social stratification
within the Canadian context. Beamish explores how various social
factors, including socioeconomic status, ethnicity, gender, and
geography, intersect to shape individuals' access to and experiences
within sports. Through an examination of the social dimensions of
Canadian sport and physical activity, the article highlights how
structural inequalities manifest in unequal opportunities, resources,
and outcomes in sports participation. Beamish underscores the role
of sports as both a site of social reproduction and potential social
mobility, where the interplay of privilege and disadvantage
influences individuals' trajectories and life chances. The article
emphasizes the importance of sociological analysis in uncovering
and addressing systemic inequalities in sports and advocates for
policies and interventions aimed at promoting equity, diversity, and
inclusion in Canadian sport.
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Nichols, D. L. (2022, March 28). The precarious labor of professional
skateboarders. Engaging
Sports. https://thesocietypages.org/engagingsports/2022/03/28/the-
precarious-labor-of-professional-skateboarders/
In "The Precarious Labor of Professional Skateboarders" by Nichols
(2022), the article examines the labor conditions and challenges
faced by professional skateboarders from a sociological perspective.
Nichols highlights the precarious nature of professional
skateboarding careers, characterized by low wages, lack of job
security, and limited access to benefits such as healthcare and
retirement savings. Through an analysis of the structural dynamics
within the skateboarding industry, including sponsorship
arrangements and media representation, the article sheds light on
the power asymmetries and exploitative practices that shape
skateboarders' working conditions. Nichols argues that professional
skateboarders occupy a marginalized position within the broader
economy, facing vulnerabilities and uncertainties typical of gig
economy workers. The article calls attention to the need for
sociological inquiry into the labor relations of niche sports like
skateboarding and advocates for collective action and advocacy
efforts to improve the rights and well-being of professional
skateboarders.
WEEK 8:
Le. Key Definitions
- Environment: the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates
- Sustainability: the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
- Eco-Friendly: products, practices, or lifestyles that cause minimal harm to the environment. When did sport start to care about the climate crisis? Sport’s Relationship with the Environment
- Sport needs the environment
- Sport, physical activity, and leisure ruins the environment
- Sport can be used as a platform for education fans about environment issues
- Sport shapes the physical environment Climate change: why the Olympics will never be the same – hottest Olympics ever Sport & Sustainability
- Performance vs. Sustainability
- Is creating/buying technology that increased performance more important than the wellbeing of the environment?
- Should we ask athletes to compromise their performance for the future of the Earth?
Examples of Green Activities
- Carbon Offsetting: used to compensate for carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions produced from
- Energy-efficient stadiums
- Promoting car-pooling, transit, etc.
- Recycling programs Greening or Eco- Modernization
- Consuming green reproduces the status quo
- Substituting one source for another
- Within market logic – we go out and buy more
- Trading in your gasoline powered car for a tesla
- “Eco-friendly” stadiums Green-Washing
- a deceptive marketing strategy in which an organization exaggerates or misrepresents its sustainability efforts to portray itself as more environmentally friendly than it actually is.
- Oil Companies
- Fast Fashion Post-Game Recap What is sport’s relationship to the environment? The relationship between sport and the environment is multifaceted. On one hand, sports activities such as outdoor recreation, eco-tourism, and nature-based sports like hiking or surfing can foster a connection to the environment and promote environmental awareness. However, organized sports events, particularly mega-events like the Olympics or World Cup, can have significant environmental impacts due to factors such as transportation emissions, venue construction, waste generation, and resource consumption. Additionally, sports industries contribute to environmental degradation through activities like deforestation for golf courses, water pollution from sports equipment manufacturing, and carbon emissions from travel and infrastructure. Explain eco-modernization and provide a sports example. Eco-modernization is a theoretical approach that seeks to reconcile economic development with environmental sustainability through technological innovation, efficiency improvements, and policy interventions. In the context of sports, an example of eco-modernization could be the adoption of green technologies and sustainable practices in sports facilities and events. For
instance, stadiums and arenas may implement renewable energy systems, water-saving measures, waste recycling programs, and green building designs to reduce their environmental footprint while still providing modern amenities and spectator experiences. What are the limits of eco-modernization and green-washing? While eco-modernization offers strategies for mitigating environmental impacts, it also has limitations and risks of green-washing. Eco-modernization often focuses on technological fixes and market-based solutions, which may overlook systemic issues such as overconsumption, inequality, and social justice concerns. Moreover, green-washing occurs when organizations or industries promote superficial or deceptive environmental initiatives to improve their public image without making substantive changes. In the context of sports, green-washing may involve token gestures like tree-planting campaigns or carbon offsetting, while ignoring the larger environmental footprint of sports activities and industries. What are some neoliberal approaches to environmentalism? Neoliberal approaches to environmentalism emphasize market-based mechanisms, privatization, deregulation, and individual responsibility for environmental issues. Neoliberal environmental policies often prioritize economic growth and corporate interests over ecological sustainability and social equity. In the context of sports, neoliberal approaches to environmentalism may involve partnerships between sports organizations and private corporations to promote green initiatives, such as eco-friendly merchandise, carbon-neutral events, or sponsorship deals with green brands. However, critics argue that these initiatives may prioritize profit motives and symbolic gestures over meaningful environmental action. What is the myth of recycling? The myth of recycling refers to the belief that recycling alone can solve environmental problems associated with waste production and resource consumption. While recycling plays a crucial role in reducing waste and conserving resources, it is not a panacea for addressing broader issues of consumption, production, and disposal. Recycling efforts may be limited by factors such as contamination, inefficiency, energy consumption, and market demand for recycled materials. Moreover, the focus on individual behavior change through recycling can obscure systemic issues such as corporate responsibility, planned obsolescence, and unsustainable production practices. Therefore, addressing environmental challenges requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond recycling to encompass reduction, reuse, resource conservation, and systemic change. Le. Environment juice and solutions in sport Environmental Justice
- a social movement focusing on the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to
- Historically marginalizes low-income, BIPOC and women
- Golf courses will be challenged by drought, rising sea levels, more severe storms, and hotter temperatures
- Solutions to those issues raise operating costs
- Thus, exacerbates the equalities that already exists Environmental Justice in Sport
- Equitable access to clean & healthy air, water and spaces to play sport Where does sporting waste go? Who does it impact the most? Who suffers from air pollution? What are the impacts of new sports stadiums? Who do they impact the most?
- Fair treatment in sports policies and guidelines surrounding the environment What are environmental policies focuses on? Do they think about BIPOC communities?
- Athletes + organizations advocating for environmental justice What or who are they advocating for? The story of our stuff • How might brands design equipment differently if we returned our used equipment to them afterwards?
- Can we do-away with “planned obsolescence”?
- We need more focus on end-of-life stage of (sports) products/equipment Re-Use: The Circular Economy
- Circular economy: a closed-loop economic structure that caps resource extraction and any waste created becomes “food” for another process
- A replacement of the traditional linear economy
- Focused on longevity, repairability, re- use and less consumption of raw materials
- It requires producer responsibility to ensure the end of life of their product
Example 1: Adidas FutureCraft Loop Example 2: Patagonia Worn Wear/ North Face Renewed A gender paradox
- Professional women’s teams take commercial flights & men’s team’s take charter
- We want women to have equal resources to men, but at what environmental cost? Q – Is increasing gender equality in sport more important than the environment? What can I do?
- Think about how to re-use or re-purpose your sporting goods/gear/clothes
- Choose sustainable products when possible & support ethical brands Although, these are typically more expensive So, who can be environmentally friendly?
- Educate others
- Engage in responsible consumption
- Lead by examples Post-game recap What is environmental justice & what does it look like in sport? Environmental justice refers to the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, income, or social status, in the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental policies and practices. In the context of sport, environmental justice encompasses ensuring equitable access to sports facilities, green spaces, and recreational opportunities for all communities, especially marginalized and underserved populations. It involves addressing environmental inequalities in the siting of sports facilities, pollution exposure, access to clean air and water, and the distribution of resources for sports development. Environmental justice in sport also includes promoting inclusivity, diversity, and representation in sports participation, leadership, and decision-making processes. How does the environment exacerbate racial and gendered inequalities? The environment can exacerbate racial and gendered inequalities through various mechanisms, including environmental racism, gendered division of labor, and differential vulnerability to environmental hazards. Historically, marginalized communities, particularly communities of
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Wilson, B. (2012). Sport, the environment, and peace: Debates and
myths about carbon-neutral sport. In Sport & Peace: A sociological
perspective (pp. 156-177). Oxford University Press.
In "Sport, the Environment, and Peace: Debates and Myths about
Carbon-Neutral Sport" by Wilson (2012), the article explores the
intersections of sport, the environment, and peace from a
sociological perspective. Wilson critically examines debates and
myths surrounding the concept of carbon-neutral sport, highlighting
the complexities and contradictions inherent in efforts to address
environmental sustainability within the sporting industry. Through
an analysis of the environmental impact of sports events, policies,
and practices, the article unpacks the tensions between ecological
concerns and commercial imperatives within the global sports
complex. Wilson underscores the need for sociological inquiry into
the socio-environmental dimensions of sports and advocates for
holistic approaches to sustainability that consider the
interconnections between sport, society, and the natural world. The
article contributes to a deeper understanding of the potential of
sport as a catalyst for environmental awareness, social change, and
peacebuilding.
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Wheeler, K. & Nauright, J. (2006). A global perspective on the
environmental impact of golf. Sport in Society, 9 (3), 427-443.
https://doi.org/10.1080/
In "A Global Perspective on the Environmental Impact of Golf" by
Wheeler and Nauright (2006), the article provides a sociological
analysis of the environmental implications of golf on a global scale.
The authors examine the ecological footprint of golf courses,
highlighting the environmental degradation, resource consumption,
and habitat loss associated with their construction and
maintenance. Through an exploration of the socio-economic
dynamics and power relations within the golf industry, the article
unpacks the social and environmental inequalities exacerbated by
the expansion of golf tourism and development. Wheeler and
Nauright argue that golf serves as a microcosm of broader socio-
environmental issues, including land use conflicts, water scarcity,
and biodiversity conservation. The article underscores the need for
critical inquiry into the socio-environmental impacts of leisure
activities like golf and calls for sustainable practices and policy
interventions to mitigate environmental harm and promote
ecological stewardship within the sport.
WEEK 9:
Le. LGBTQ breakdown of terms
- Lesbian: a woman who is sexually and romantically attracted to other women
- Gay: a man who is sexually and romantically attracted to other men
- Bisexual: a person who is sexually and romantically attracted to men and women
- Transgender: a person whose gender identity does not correspond with the sex registered for them at birth
- Queer: a sexual or gender identity that does not correspond to established ideas of sexuality and gender, especially heterosexual norms
- Intersex: a person born with a combination of male and female biological traits LGBTQ+ Two-spirted: a term originating from Indigenous cultures
- Complex understandings of gender and spiritual identity that go beyond the binary concept of male and female
- They embody both masculine and feminine spirits and
- Challenges mainstream, Western ideas of gender and Sexuality
