Sociology of Sport VII Critique

SOC 3301, Sociology of Sport 1

Course Learning Outcomes for Unit VII Upon completion of this unit, students should be able to:

5. Examine deviance and violence in sports. 5.1 Explain how deviance and violence issues in sports have impacted the sports industry.

Course/Unit Learning Outcomes

Learning Activity

5.1

Unit Lesson Chapter 5, pp. 102–135 Chapter 6, pp. 138–167 Unit VII Article Critique

Required Unit Resources Chapter 5: Deviance in Sports: Is It Out of Control?, pp. 102–135 Chapter 6: Violence in Sports: Does It Affect Our Lives?, pp. 138–167

Unit Lesson Most of us would like to believe that sport builds character, among other positive traits. For many of us, this remains true. However, from Lance Armstrong to Ray Rice, we have learned about the various violent and deviant behaviors that exist within sports that might warrant a reassessment of our position. Studying deviance in sport presents many challenges. First, most definitions of deviance often include the word norm, so we are forced to define what norm is before being able to define deviance. A norm is what is acceptable by people in society; deviance is anything that falls outside of the acceptable range of the norm. Both norm and deviance can be divided even further into formal and informal. Formal norms are those that are usually written rules or laws, and informal norms are those that are unwritten or understood. Based on this, formal deviance occurs when official rules and laws are violated, and those who commit the behaviors are punished by official sanctions from those in authority. Informal deviance occurs when the unwritten or understood customs are disrupted. These violators receive unofficial punishment by observers or peers (Coakley, 2017).

UNIT VII STUDY GUIDE

Deviance and Violence in Sports

SOC 3301, Sociology of Sport 2

UNIT x STUDY GUIDE

Title

The two methods for studying deviance in sports are the absolutist approach and the constructionist approach. The absolutist approach is truth-based, which means that norms represent ideals. Any time an idea, attribute, or action deviates from the ideal, deviance occurs. An increase in the deviation constitutes an escalation in the offense (Coakley, 2017). When fans, the media, and the general public discuss rule violations and criminal actions by coaches and athletes, the absolutist approach is often used.

The constructionist approach is interaction-based, which means that when ideas, attributes, and actions are determined unacceptable by society or the societal world, deviance occurs.

Deviance in sports may be categorized into two other forms when actions fall outside the normal range of acceptance—underconformity and overconformity. Underconformity involves actions, such as bar fights and sexual assault, while overconformity involves athletes who play despite major injuries or the consumption of painkillers that allow them to continue to play (Coakley, 2017). Similar to deviance in sports, the offenses of violence in sports are associated with people’s ideas and morals. Identification of violence in sports is often confusing. Although some feel that violence is a part of the game, others feel that violence destroys the game’s dynamics. This confusion exists because of four reasons: multiple-meaning words are often used to describe violence in sports (aggressive, assertive, tough, rough,

Absolutist approach to deviance (Coakley, 2017, p. 107)

A constructivist approach to deviance (Coakley, 2017, p. 108)

SOC 3301, Sociology of Sport 3

UNIT x STUDY GUIDE

Title

intense, and competitive), players are not distinguished from spectators, all sports are classified together, and short-term effects of violence are not separated from long-term effects (Coakley, 2017). So what constitutes violence in sports? Our author defines violence as excessive physical force, which causes or has obvious potential to cause harm or destruction (Coakley, 2017). Violence is not just those illegal or unsanctioned acts. In fact, some violence is accepted by society and perceived as protecting people or pursuing victories for others. Throughout history, sport sociologists have been able to study athletes and their actions to determine why violence and deviance in sport happens. The evidence points out that some athletes become deviant as a way of increasing excitement and involvement, maintaining playing time, and being recognized and identified. Violence in sport can be attributed for the same or similar reasons as deviance, but is also a means of finding revenge or retaliation and to prove masculinity and power (Coakley, 2017). Violence and deviance also occurs off the field. These situations are often difficult to manage and control, but the consequences of the athletes’ actions are becoming more of an issue in society. The commissions for all four major professional leagues have begun to make tougher punishments for those who engage in such activities. It is also important to note that, while most of the research has been focused on males in sport, female violence and deviance is now also gaining attention.

Reference Coakley, J. (2017). Sports in society: Issues and controversies (12th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.

Suggested Unit Resources In order to access the following resources, click the links below. The following information discusses the role of the media and sports, as well as the effects that media has on sports, both positive and negative. This section of the article comes from McGraw-Hill’s Online Learning Center (OLC) for Coakley’s Sports in Society: Issues and Controversies (12th ed.) online version. Open Chapter 5 readings, then scroll to Reading 7 to read “Arguments for and against drug testing as a deterrent.” The following article suggests that deviant and violent behavior in sports begins in the youth years. You are encouraged to view this information. Peterson, D. (2008, December 2). Bad sports behavior starts in youth. Retrieved from

http://www.livescience.com/3123-bad-sports-behavior-starts-youth.html

Learning Activities (Nongraded) Nongraded Learning Activities are provided to aid students in their course of study. You do not have to submit them. If you have questions, contact your instructor for further guidance and information. The following activities will help you understand how sports deviance and violence interplay with individuals in sports. You may complete one, two, or all of the activities. Activity 1: Locate an article involving deviance and/or violence in sport and its impact on sports. Briefly summarize the article’s key parts and express your reaction to the article.

SOC 3301, Sociology of Sport 4

UNIT x STUDY GUIDE

Title

Activity 2: Review the PowerPoint presentations on Chapter 5 and Chapter 6 to supplement the textbook reading and lesson content. Alternate formats and transcripts for the presentations are provided below. Chapter 5: Deviance in Sports: Is It Out of Control?

 Chapter 5 PowerPoint presentation

 PDF version of the Chapter 5 PowerPoint presentation Chapter 6: Violence in Sports: Does it Affect Our Lives?

 Chapter 6 PowerPoint presentation

 PDF version of the Chapter 6 PowerPoint presentation