Sport & Social Stratification - Notes - PDF

Sport & Social Stratification Understanding the intersection of Class, Opportunity, and Sport in Canada. Class Video Link- Malcom Gladwell Do you agree with Gladwell’s view on sports and their role within universities? What other perspectives might exist? Objectives: 1) Identify and explain the...

Sport & Social Stratification Understanding the intersection of Class, Opportunity, and Sport in Canada. Class Video Link- Malcom Gladwell Do you agree with Gladwell’s view on sports and their role within universities? What other perspectives might exist? Objectives: 1) Identify and explain the terms “meritocracy,” “equality of opportunity,” and “equality of condition.” 2) Discuss some of the historical and current trends in the distribution of Canadian incomes. 3) Explain the main features of Karl Marx’s, Max Weber’s, and Pierre Bourdieu’s theories of class. 5) Present an informed picture of how Canada’s social stratification system impacts upon sport participation in the contemporary period. Meritocracy in Sports Definition: A system where performance determines rank and rewards. Assumptions: Sports are a level playing field. Challenge: Barriers prevent true meritocracy. Challenges to the idea of Meritocracy 1.​ Structural Inequalities -​ Access to resources like coaching, equipment, and facilities often depend on socioeconomic status 2.​ Economic factors -​ Participation in elite sports can be expensive, with costs for training, travel and competition fees. 3.​ Discrimination Bias -​ Gender disparities: Women often receive less funding, media coverage, and opportunities in sports.  4.​ Nepotism and networking -​ Personal connections or family ties may provide opportunities that are not equally accessible to all athletes.. Equality of Opportunity Definition: Equal access for all to participate/ Barriers: Class, gender, race, geography, physical/cognitive ability. Example: Lack of facilities and equipment for low-income families. Equality of Outcome Definition: Requires that individuals have some share of goods and resources, not merely a chance to obtain them without the hindrance of some obstacles. Example: Providing resources to marginalized groups through affirmative action Competing Ambitions The challenge is twofold 1.​ To eliminate inequalities based on foul play, structural barriers, elite collusion, and accidents of birth. 2.​ To safeguard the outcomes that reflect individual variation in effort and risk-taking. Politicizing Inequality Those on the left believe equality is about equal outcomes, whereas those on the right are convinced that equal opportunities define equality. What is the proper pathway to equality? -​ The concept of social equality is not straightforward. -​ Perhaps the attainment of equality is less important than the creation of an egalitarian society. Historical Income Trends in Canada -​ Income inequality has risen over the last 40 years -​ Economic recessions in the 1980s and 1990’s -​ Technology eliminating middle-income jobs -​ Declining unionization and reliance on temporary workers. -​ Middle- and low-income groups affected most during recessions. Social inequality in Canada (Gini Index) Gini Index measures income inequality. (0= perfect equality, 1=tatal inequality) Key findings: top 1% earns 11.2% of all income; Growing disparity since 1980 -​ The gini coefficient can measure inequality in medal distribution among countries in global events such as the Olympics. -​ Wealthier nations often dominate due to superior training programs, facilities, and investment in athletes. Social class: From production to consumption Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of social class ​ Social class is not only determined by economic factors but also by cultural and social capital. Economic capital: Wealth and material resources Culture Capital: Education tastes, and cultural knowledge Social Capital: Social networks and connections Symbolic Capital: Prestige and recognition that comes from other forms of capital Programs to support Low SES families KidSport Canada ​ A national not for profit organization that provides financial assistance for registration fees and equipment to kids aged 18 and under. Grants vary by province. Canadian Tire Jump Start ​ A national charity that helps kids from financially disadvantaged families participate in organized sports and physical activities.