PHE 385
“The transformation of a competitive physical activity into a sport generally involves the standardization and enforcement of rules, an emphasis on organization, and formalized skill development. In other words, the activity becomes patterned and regularized…Once competition and organization become part of the setting in which the activity takes place, it becomes a sport. The recent histories of Frisbee competitions, judo, bodybuilding and motorcycle racing are all classical examples of how this occurs.”
(A) idealization
(B) institutionalization
(C) masculinization
(D) professionalization
Chapter Two:
1.What are the characteristics of Functionalist, Conflict, Interactionist, Critical, and Feminist theories?
2. Suppose I invite to class a sociologist who uses functionalist theory to explain and study sports. This person will present a lecture on how sports are sources of inspiration in societies around the world. You want to ask some challenging questions to the speaker after their presentation. What three questions would you ask and why would you ask them?
3.How about if I invite a conflict theorist to class: How would the conflict theorist frame Division I collegiate athletics?
4. Imagine yourself as the director of the Parks and Recreation Department in a large city. The city council has just threatened to withdraw funds for all your organized sport programs. In arguing for continuation of the funds, which theoretical approach would be most helpful for you? What would your argument be when you came in front of the council to make your case for the continuation of funds?
5. You are a city councilperson representing a low-income minority district in the city. The rest of the members of council want to use city tax money to build a new tennis stadium to host major tennis tournaments during the year. In arguing against this expenditure, which theoretical framework would be most useful to you? What would your argument be when you made your statement to the rest of council?