Purpose: With the guidance of theory, a researcher can analyze social behavior m
ID: 3492040 • Letter: P
Question
Purpose: With the guidance of theory, a researcher can analyze social behavior more consciously and with more sensitivity. Social situations are examined through these “theory lenses” in order to see and question social behavior to a greater extent. Your objective is to realize the utility of sociological theories when analyzing social behavior in the sport realm.
Task: Your task is to report on typical social behavior taking place in association with a sports event. The sports event under analysis is the Olympic Games. Analyze the Olympic Games through the use of functional, conflict, critical/feminist, and interactionist theories. You may use your textbook and notes for this assignment. There isn’t just one right answer to the following questions. Whenever possible provide several responses for each question.
1. Functional Theory
What are the various interdependent parts that form the social system under analysis at the Olympic Games?
How is balance or order maintained among those involved at the Olympic Games?
Provide another question that a functional theorist is likely to ask while studying social behavior at this event. Also, answer the question.
2. Conflict Theory
Think like a conflict theorist and identify the various groups present within different aspects of the Olympic Games. How are they in conflict?
What do you think Olympic athletes consider their “scarce resources” to be?
Provide another question that a sociologist of sport using conflict theory is likely to ask while studying social behavior at this event. Also, answer the question.
3. Critical / Feminist Theory:
Identify several social constructs that are affecting the behavior of players, coaches, and/or fans. Indicate the behavioral expectations (patterns of norms) associated with each one.
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Identify how gender affects the social (includes athletic) behavior taking place at the Olympic Games. Think about expectations placed on the female athlete and how are they conveyed.
Design alternatives to the various social structures and relations present in this sport event.
4. Interactionist Theory:
Identify what the collective believes it means to be an Olympic athlete.
Identify several subcultures present at the Olympic Games.
Explanation / Answer
Question-1:
Functional Theory and the Olympic Games
Benefits of Hosting the Olympic Games
Examining case studies of specific Games proves that it’s not always simple to gauge their success.
Case Study: Los Angeles Summer Olympic Games in 1984
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