Sociological theory applied to equal opportunities

• Society

  An organised group of people associated for some specific purpose or with a shared common interest.
• Socialisation

  A lifelong process whereby members of a society learn its norms, values, ideas, practices and roles in order to take their place in that society.
• Internalisation


  The learning of values or attitudes that are incorporated within yourself
• Primary socialisation


  During early years of childhood: immediate family, internalisation
• Secondary socialisation


  During later years: family less involved, other "agencies" deliberately set up for more influence e.g. peer groups, friends, schools
• Gender socialisation


  Learning of behaviour and attitudes historically considered appropriate for a given sex
• Social processes


  Forms of social interaction between individuals and groups which occur again and again
• Examples of social processes


  Integration, co-operation, conflict
• Social control


  A concept that refers to the way in which peoples thoughts, feelings, appearance and behaviour are regulated in social systems
• Institutions


  An established organisations founded for a religious, educational, professional or social purpose e.g. family viewed as basic unit
• Social pressures


  For example a woman made to feel guilty about leaving a young baby, giving up previous leisure activities
• Social control over women in sport

  Social pressure, lack of free time, lack of disposable income, decreased opportunities
• Social change


  An alteration in the social order of society e.g. changes in social behaviours and/or cultural values over time leading to long term effects. It occurs when institutions readjust to meet 'new needs' of groups in society
• Sport England campaigns for women and ethnicity


  "This girl can", "kick it out"
• Inequality


  The unfair situation where resources or opportunities are distributed unevenly within society.
• Social issues


  Problem/conflict which affects a considerable number of people in society e.g. gender or disability discrimination, drug abuse
• Causes of inequality


  Lack of money, high cost of participating, lack of confidence, lack of role models, myths/stereotypes
• Consequences of inequality


  Lower participation rates, fewer women in positions of power and decision making
• social stratification


  A type of social inequality where society is divided into different levels on the basis of a social characteristic, such as wealth or social status
• Example of social structures

  Type of school you go to can affect the activities you get to try out, time devoted to sport, quality of teaching, quality of facilities
• Social class


  A term used to define social inequalities e.g. certain groups have more access to wealth/power than others
• Factors that contribute to social class


  Job, family background, education, income
• Social class and stratification in schools


  Lower income, poorer health, undermined physical abilities, schools can magnify social class
• Social class and sports clubs


  Economic inequalities, working class expectations, more middle and upper class children joining clubs
• Social action theory


  A way of viewing socialisation, emphasising the proactive role of people in shaping social life
• Progression


  The process of gradually developing towards a more advanced state
• Interactionist approach


  Study of how individuals behave within a society, stems from social processes that occur when humans interact.
• Interactionism


  Stressed that people have an active role in shaping society, the way we communicate and interact
• Social action theory in sport


  Views sport as an essential part of society's makeup, can have an impact on the social and cultural fabric of society
• Ways that sport can impact society

  Highlighting inequalities, ideas about masculinity and femininity, ideas about race and ethnicity, ideas about ability and disability, sense of national pride, targeting social problems (unemployment)
• Equal opportunities


  Treating people fairly, giving people the same chance
• Discrimination


  The unfair treatment of a person or minority group; distinguishing and acting on a prejudice
• Prejudice


  An unfavourable opinion of an individual or group often based on inadequate facts
• Stereotype


  A standardised image/belief shared by society, a simple generalisation about all members of a group which allows others to categorise and treat them accordingly
• Sport England's equality and diversity policy

  Develop a culture that enables and values everyone's full involvement, create an environment where every has opportunities, overcome potential barriers
• Overt discrimination


  Visible/obvious e.g. verbal racist abuse
• Covert discrimination


  Hidden/less obvious (non selection of an individual as captain because of their race)
• Barriers to participation

  Lack of time, negative social influences, lack of motivation, lack of skill, lack of resources, family obligations
• Solution of lack of time

  Add physical activity to a daily routine
• Solution to negative social influences


  Invite family and friends to exercise, join a group