History of Sociology of Sport: Key Thinkers and Perspectives

Question 1

Who is NOT considered a key contributor to the establishment of the sociology of sport?

Accepted Answer

Sigmund Freud

Answer

Emile Durkheim

Answer

Max Weber

Answer

Norbert Elias

Question 2

How does sport reflect and shape cultural values and norms?

Accepted Answer

Sport reflects cultural values through its rules, rituals, and heroes.

Accepted Answer

Sport shapes cultural values by promoting certain behaviors and attitudes.

Answer

Sport has no influence on cultural values and norms.

Question 3

In the field of sociology of sport, which research area focuses on examining the extensive societal impacts of sport, including its influence on aspects like health, crime, and education?

Accepted Answer

Social Issues in Sport

Answer

Media and Sport

Answer

Globalization and Sport

Answer

Culture and Sport

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of using ethnographic research methods in the sociology of sport?

Accepted Answer

Observe and describe social interactions in sports settings

Answer

Collect quantitative data on sports participation

Answer

Develop theories about the role of sport in society

Answer

Evaluate the effectiveness of sports policies

Question 5

Which seminal work is largely considered the founding text of the sociology of sport?

Accepted Answer

Sport and Society

Answer

The Philosophy of Sport

Answer

Kinesiology

Answer

The Social Psychology of Sport

Question 6

Who is widely recognized as the 'father of the sociology of sport'?

Accepted Answer

Norbert Elias

Answer

Pierre de Coubertin

Answer

Talcott Parsons

Answer

Howard Becker

Question 7

Which theoretical perspective places emphasis on the cultural context of sport?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic Interactionism

Answer

Marxism

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict Theory

Question 8

Within the sociology of sport, 'socialization' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The ways in which sport reinforces social norms and values

Answer

The process of learning the rules and skills of a sport

Answer

The development of one's athletic identity

Answer

The impact of sport on social inequality

Question 9

Explain the concept of the 'sport-mirror' and how it demonstrates the interconnectedness of sport and society. Provide examples to illustrate your response.

Accepted Answer

The 'sport-mirror' concept proposes that sport often reflects and reinforces social inequalities.

Answer

The 'sport-mirror' concept suggests that sport has no influence on societal norms and values.

Answer

The 'sport-mirror' concept claims that sport exists entirely separate from the rest of society.

Question 10

According to functionalist theory, how can social media contribute to modern sports?

Accepted Answer

Social media fosters a sense of community among sports enthusiasts.

Answer

Social media primarily causes division and conflict within sports communities.

Answer

Social media has little to no impact on sports communities today.

Question 11

In sociological research on sport, what methodological and theoretical limitations may arise, and how can we address these challenges?

Accepted Answer

Use mixed methods and triangulate data to boost reliability and validity.

Answer

Rely mainly on qualitative methods for deep insights into personal experiences.

Answer

Avoid theoretical frameworks to stay objective and reduce bias.

Answer

Focus only on elite athletes to make data collection and analysis easier.

Question 12

Which seminal work is widely regarded as the foundation of the sociology of sport?

Accepted Answer

The Sociology of Sport

Answer

Sport and Society

Answer

Play, Games, and Leisure

Answer

The Meaning of Sport

Question 13

Which theoretical perspective emphasizes the influence of social structures on the development and organization of sport?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Symbolic Interactionism

Answer

Marxism

Answer

Postmodernism

Question 14

According to the 'sport as a social institution' perspective, sport is conceptualized as:

Accepted Answer

A reflection of the underlying values and beliefs of the society in which it exists

Answer

A set of arbitrary rules governing athletic competitions

Answer

Primarily an avenue for physical exercise and competition

Answer

A means of escapism from the demands of everyday life

Question 15

Which emerging perspective in the sociology of sport examines the influence of technology on sport?

Accepted Answer

The digital sociology of sport

Answer

The postmodern sociology of sport

Answer

The feminist sociology of sport

Answer

The critical race theory sociology of sport

Question 16

What is the fundamental distinction between qualitative and quantitative research methods in the sociology of sport?

Accepted Answer

Quantitative methods prioritize numerical data, while qualitative methods prioritize non-numerical data

Answer

Qualitative methods prioritize numerical data, while quantitative methods prioritize non-numerical data

Answer

Qualitative methods are more deductive, while quantitative methods are more inductive

Answer

Quantitative methods produce more generalizable findings, while qualitative methods produce more specific findings

Question 17

Early sociological research in sport primarily focused on:

Accepted Answer

The role of sport in social stratification and the opportunities for social mobility

Answer

The impact of sports on physical health and well-being

Answer

The psychological benefits of participating in sports

Question 18

Who introduced the concept of the 'play ethic' into the sociology of sport?

Accepted Answer

Johan Huizinga

Answer

Randall Collins

Answer

Pierre Bourdieu

Answer

Norbert Elias

Question 19

According to Thorstein Veblen, a characteristic of the 'leisure class' is:

Accepted Answer

Conspicuous consumption of sports-related goods and services

Answer

Engagement in traditional sports and games played by lower social classes

Answer

Emphasis on physical fitness, athleticism, and personal achievement

Question 20

A major impact of the feminist movement on the sociology of sport has been to:

Accepted Answer

Challenge assumptions about women's physical and mental inferiority in sports

Answer

Promote quotas for women in sport leadership positions

Answer

Establish separate governing bodies for women's sports

Question 21

A significant methodological approach in the sociology of sport is:

Accepted Answer

Ethnography

Answer

Quantitative analysis of large datasets gathered through surveys

Answer

Experimental research with randomized controlled trials

Question 22

Who is widely acknowledged as one of the key founding figures in the development of the sociology of sport?

Accepted Answer

Norbert Elias

Answer

Talcott Parsons

Answer

Michel Foucault

Answer

Pierre Bourdieu

Question 23

Which sociological perspective emphasizes the role of social institutions in maintaining social order and stability?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Feminist sociology

Question 24

During which historical period did sport begin to transition towards becoming a professionalized activity?

Accepted Answer

The late 19th and early 20th centuries

Answer

The 21st century

Answer

The Middle Ages

Answer

The Renaissance

Question 25

What was a primary motivation behind the emergence of the 'sport for all' movement?

Accepted Answer

Concerns about growing social inequality and exclusion

Answer

The need to promote national pride

Answer

The desire to enhance athletic performance

Question 26

Which of the following best describes the focus of the 'new sociology of sport'?

Accepted Answer

Examining the relationship between sport and power structures

Answer

Studying the historical evolution of sport

Answer

Analyzing the psychological factors influencing athletic performance

Question 27

The concept of 'habitus' is central to which sociologist's theory of social reproduction?

Accepted Answer

Pierre Bourdieu

Answer

Talcott Parsons

Answer

Max Weber

Answer

Karl Marx

Question 28

How has the sociology of sport contributed to our understanding of the role of sport in society?

Accepted Answer

By providing critical insights into the social, cultural, and political dimensions of sport

Answer

By promoting the ethical values associated with sport

Answer

By developing strategies for enhancing athletic performance

Question 29

Which of the following is an example of how the sociology of sport can be applied in a practical setting?

Accepted Answer

Analyzing the impact of social media on athletes' mental health

Answer

Developing new equipment for professional athletes

Answer

Providing coaching advice to individual athletes