Analysis of the notion of sport from a sociological perspective, using a number of theoretical approaches (functionalist, conflict, feminist, etc), influenced by scholars like Marx and Durkheim

Abstract

Sport has been the focus of increased debates by socio-political commentators since decades. During the twentieth century, sport became much more than just a physical activity with the advent of new technology and the mass media, professional sport gained in importance (Foer, 2005). The situation generated a significant shift, with many professional sportsmen elevated to celebrity status. In addition, the media has started to regard sportsmanship as an almost heroic personality trait. This has become evident after the start of international competitions like the Olympic Games. It is not unusual anymore to see sport achievements elevated to the status of national gests by the media. Sports like soccer have become, in this respect, more than a game (ibid). The implications of sport can be analyzed in terms of the main sociological perspectives suggested by major scholars. This paper will analyze this issues to determine which perspective can be more effective when analyzing the issue.

Despite the fact that the feminist approach does provide adequate conclusions on how sports can help to perpetuate gender differences, the feminist approach does not look at the big picture. It is obvious that sports help perpetuate gender stereotyping, particularly in the case of soccer and other sport, with media attention mainly focused in men's competitions and not female events. This, directly or indirectly seems to help perpetuate gender inequality and the assumption that men perform better in a number of sports. Things are nevertheless progressively changing, with females becoming major sports figures in golf, tennis, and other sports. The conflict perspective emerged from the studies on class of Karl Marx and other commentators. Unlike the other approaches, the conflict perspective is not concerned with the analysis of any positive social elements. Instead, the conflict approach takes into account the conflicts that take place inside society. For Marx and others, what made society work is this internal fight, this conflict of ideas and forces (Marshall, 1994).