The Theory And Sports example essay topic

The paper that is about to be presented is about how a theory invented by Karl Marx can intertwine with sports as we know it. The Marxist theory mainly affects how people can participate in different sports depending on their class status. In the first two paragraphs, the paper will describe the basic intentions of the Marxist Theory and its background. The next two paragraphs will explain how the the theory and sports coincide. The Marxist theory is used all over the world. In fact, it is used m oer than any other social theory.

His thoughts have been used for for diff ent political, military, and academic views and studies. Karl marx lived from 1813-1883 in Germany. His theory covers the culture, politics, economics and industrialization of his time. He called the leading role of the social parts of each individual societies superstructures. In Marx's eyes there were two classes: The Bourgeoisie and the Proletariat. The upper class, more wealthy, Bourgeoisie, had the smaller more powerful aristocratic class.

On the other hand, the Proletariat are less skilled lower class workers that are the majority. Do to the separation of these two classes the Bourgeoisie own all the means of production and have the rights to all the riches. They have the power to influence there thoughts and beliefs in society because of their economic and social dominance (Rig auer, 2000). The Marist theory is set up on economic factors and puts to much consideration on them.

According to Marx he thinks money is everything within society and social life. Marxism tries to identify which sports are accessible to whom. A recent example: in contemporary British society class differences regarding participation rates in different sports can be found. The higher the social class, the more likely the individual is to be more active and to attend a sports event. The explanation therefore: a lack of resources in finances and availability of those in the working class. Affected sports are walking, jogging, swimming, weight-lifting, snooker and soccer.

Even though polo, golf, and equitation were not listed in the research, those sports should be regarded also, even if they are considered upper-class sports. This is very hard though because equipment and availability for the working class is limited due to lack of resources, especially financially. A Marxist focuses on the distribution of power in sport: Who has the power and why? Inequality can again be identified. Sport is determined and shaped by the economic system in the powerful Bourgeoisie and again promotes the interest of those: increasing capital, maintaining power and privileges (Abercrombie et al, 2000). A very recent example of money and its impact on sports is The England and Wales Cricket Board's decision to send its players to a World Cup match in Zimbabwe in 2003, regardless of political concerns due to the dictatorship of President Mugabe and the possible propaganda impact the match might have Fearing a severe financial penalty in the forms of lost sponsorship, the monetary aspect proved to powerful for them to decline a match of such importance (Guardian Online, 2003).

Although the Marxists perspective is aware of its inequalities resulting from money in sport, it fails to recognize that sport can have for individuals other possibilities such as creativeness and provision of challenging experiences. It can be said: Marxism "stresses the lack of fit between the different societal parts" (Haralambos and Holborn, 2000)., e.g. sport, and therefore focuses on conflict caused primarily by money There is contrasting theory, that of Functionalism which focuses on a consensus view rather than a conflict view. Sociologists who use functionalist theory assume that society is an organized system of corresponding parts held together by shared values and processes that create understanding among people. Functionalism in contrast to Marxism, "stresses the extent to which the different part of society fit together harmoniously" (Haralambos and Holborn, 2000). I chose not to further my research into the Functionalist theory, however, an understanding and application of both theories may provide some solutions for the hands of the negative aspects of each perspective, this could then form the basis for a theory to best describe today's society. That is of course an ideal thought, but I am Canadian and I often think that the balance of sitting on the fence the best alternative In conclusion, after reading in depth articles and individual opinions on the topic, I realized that the Marxist approach is one dimensional and incomplete.

Therefore, leaving me to be critical of an unfulfilling and one sided view of Marxist theory and sport. However, the commonalities that arise between capitalism and the development of sport in our society still cannot be ignored. Thus, giving his theory partial credibility in my opinion. While I struggled to understand how this information could be used directly in the field of sport administration, in the end, I have learned that simply being aware of different sociological theories can help to understand why society behaves the way it does in the sport context. This application is very indirect; however, it will allow me to approach future situations with a deeper understanding of sports in society.