The Sociology of Sports

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Sports and History
What are sports?
Thesis
Importance of sports
Conclusion
References

Introduction

In life, there are many things and activities that human beings prefer engaging in. There are activities which bring both pleasure and at other times there are activities which do not please human beings. Essentially human beings prefer engaging in activities that give them an opportunity to display their strengths and at the same time give them an opportunity to live out the expressions of their inner emotions.

Sports and History

As with other major forces, sports at first addressed the pertinent issues of the time, such as helping humans master their environment and become better prepared to defend themselves in battle (Zecola, 2008). Early civilizations were often a loosely connected network of cities that shared a need for, and provision of, defence. For example, in early Greece, all well bodied citizens were liable for military duty. Most cities prescribed athletic training as a form of military preparedness, and they met on a regular basis to show their preparedness by competing with each other. Putting an emphasis on exercise also contributed to the Greeks being the longest lived people of their times (Zecola, 2008).

The Greeks are also noteworthy for introducing the first recorded Olympic Games in 776 BCE. The games were held on a regular basis to pay tribute to the Greek gods. They lasted almost 12 centuries. After the Roman emperors conquered the region and formally adopted Christianity, they discouraged and eventually outlawed these practices.

Other ancient civilizations such as Egypt, China, and Rome also introduced sports into their cultures thousands of years ago. Given the importance of the Nile River, swimming and fishing were emphasized in Egypt. In China, sports activities generally related to work, production, and war, and gymnastics was a favourite activity. In Rome, chariot racing, equestrian events, gladiator competition, foot racing, and ball games were prevalent. In the Common Era, sports took on a different flavour when they began to be shaped by the rural working class. For example, a particularly aggressive precursor to soccer began in Europe in medieval times, and hurling was engaged from Cornwall to Ireland. By the 17^th century, prize fighting had become popular in England, although the upper class preferred horse racing. England’s public schools widely introduced a more refined working class. Wide scale sports for the masses were beginning to take shape although people were not widely participating in, or following, sporting activities prior to the Modern Era (Zecola, 2008).

What are sports?

Essentially, some sociologists agree that sports may be defined as an institutionalized physical activity located on continuum between play and world (Delaney & Madigan, 2009). This definition eliminates activities such as playing cards by the fact that there is the word physical activity included. One of the most salient features about sports is that it always including physical exertion. This physical exertion is an imperative characteristic that cannot be overstressed (Zecola, 2008).

Thesis

Sports are an important aspect of our human lives. This is because it is an activity which enhances our human wellbeing. Essentially, health is wealth and a life which is characterized with sporting activities is a life where there is health. Sports are necessary for enhancing our bodily and mental health.

Importance of sports

It is important to note that sports play an important role in enhancing our social relationships. This is because sporting activities bring out the positive and negative aspects in our being. This gives us an opportunity to work on those aspects which are not pleasing in us as well as enhance those activities which are meaningful and enhancing. For example, being part of a team ensures that one develops the interpersonal skills that enable a person to fit well in a given society. Furthermore, playing in a team brings us to a point where we need others. This enhances our ability to cooperate in the society. Universality of sports

Sport is a universal phenomenon (Delaney & Madigan, 2009). There is no known culture which has not engaged in some sort of sporting activity, and participating in and being a spectator of various sports is an important aspect of most people’s lives. From early childhood, individuals start the process of taking part in organized games, and it is a rare person who has no interest at all in rooting for or against particular organized teams. Such activities are not only often physically challenging and mentally simulating – they also provide a sense of belonging and personal meaning to people’s lives. Sport is as much a part of the global society and culture as are other social institutions such as family, religion, politics, economics and education (Zecola, 2008). To ignore sport is to overlook a phenomenon that extends into a multitude of social arenas, including the arts, mass media, the economy, the community, and international diplomacy. Sports reflect the mores, values, and the general culture of a society. In the American culture, as in most world cultures, winning and success are highly valued commodities. Sports can serve as an excellent exemplar of the cherished “win at all costs” philosophy (Delaney & Madigan, 2009). The true spirit of sport often reveals itself as well. The notions of cooperation and team work, fair play, hard work, dedication, personal excellence, obedience to rules, commitment and loyalty are also revered values of the global society, and that is, perhaps, the primary reason that the global society loves sorts so much. There are far more positive stories in sport despite the negative media portrayal of sport which help to reaffirm that our support of our favourite teams and athletes is not a wasted endeavour.

Conclusion

The institution of sports is very important, useful, and beneficial to the global society. Sports adherents share the emotional roller coaster of fortunes that their favourite team experience (Delaney & Madigan, 2009). Sporting activities are not a reserve of the participants, but it gives all those who take part in it an opportunity to express themselves. That is, both the spectators and the participants. The role of spectators is usually important because it enhances or determines the success or failure of a team. It also builds loyalty among the supporters and the team members. Both fans and participants find in sport a reaffirmation of central values and myths of the larger society that help give meaning and direction to their own lives. Athletic contests are important to the socialization of youth, to the integration of disparate groups and social classes, to physical and mental well being, and to the enhancement of community pride (Delaney & Madigan, 2009). This conclusion brings to the fore a fundamental aspect which has been stated in the thesis, that sports are an important aspect of the entire globe. This is because sports bring out the best in the human race.

References

Delaney, T., & Madigan, T. (2009). The sociology of sports: an introduction. Jefferson, NC: McFarland. Zecola, S. (2008). The Major Forces Driving Humanity: Solutions for a Growing Divide. Hilton Head Island, SC: Zax Publishing, Inc.

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