Instruction
Complete the readings for this lesson, and follow specific instructions for reading-related activities outlined in the syllabus. Consider and answer these questions for each reading.
Sport in Society (Coakley)
Briefly explain what concerns scholars who look at sport through the prism of conflict theory have.
Coakley says students often are resistant to thinking about conflict theory. Why? Why does he argue that they should consider it?
Coakley describes (in very simple terms) the role of capitalism in the workplace. In light of this explanation, what is the role of spectator sports in capitalist (industrial) societies?
What is meant by conflict theorists’ description of sport as an “opiate”?
How does sport promote “official” violence, according to conflict theorists?
Social Images and Sport (Sage)
Contrast pluralism with hegemony. Explain each concept.
What is ideology? Explain what Sage means by the term.
How does contemporary sport reflect and promote capitalist ideology, according to Sage?
From both readings
Explain how Coakley’s functionalism aligns with Sage’s pluralism, and how Coakley’s conflict theory aligns with Sage’s hegemony