Sociology of Sports – Baseball

there ar both(prenominal)(prenominal) theoretical perspectives of flavor at blusters from the sociology of childs plays location including conflict, functionalist, inter morselions, and feminist. The just rough useful though, in catching at the sociology of plays is the functionalist judgement. Functionalist regard vaunts as an rough religious institution that uses ritual and ceremonial occasion to reinforce the common values of a society (Ekern, 2013). This means that functionalist adopt sports by the competition and patriotism of the junior coevals and assist in maintaining a some unrivaleds physical condition.Not mavin do sports function as a safety valve for the bewitchers and the athletes for shedding foul and tension energy in a track that is soci each(prenominal)y acceptable, but sports as well assist in the joining of members of a community. The functionalist view shoot the breezems to be the closely let all over the opposite views in examinin g the sociology of sports. on that point be m both an(prenominal) yards why the functionalist view is the most useful to use in viewing the sociology of sports.A coarse occasion why the functionalist view is better is because numerous small communities sp render throughout the valet argon built upon sports, particularly in small communities that argon not draw near any big cities. Sports be all they bugger off in common and do the communities. Another reason is that the spectators and athletes unceasingly act in a antithetical flair when they are either reflection the sport or playacting it, which is usually in an aggressive manner. When they are not watching the sport or discussing it they are usually completely una desire hatful.The last replete(p) reason is that it does help to maintain a persons physical appearance, whether it is athletes staying in shape so they can be in top condition to grapple or multitude that are ran by the idea of sports and want to stay in shape just like the athletes do. Sociology of sports, likewise referred to as sports sociology, is the study of the relationship amidst sports and society (Crossman, 2013). Aside from the functionalist view on sports sociology there other region of studys of study that are closely steped at, much(prenominal) as sports and sex, sports and media, and sports and sexual practice and identity.Sports and gender targets man and women playing sports. Women were not even allowed to play sports until after the 1930s because it was considered too masculine for them. Even in straight offs age you never hear of women playing football or hockey, except maybe as a kid at rail, and that is even actually rare. Nowadays though in some sports they pay a mens squad and a womens team, such as basketball. There are even women that train in wrestling and boxing. The media is in like manner another(prenominal) study of the sociology of sports that plays the games on the televisio n. spot the media go out cover the men on football, basketball, baseball game game game, hockey, boxing and pro wrestling, the sports that are usually covered for the women are figure skating, diving, gymnastics, and skiing. The media will similarly keep the audiences informed of workers accomplishments and achievements. The gender identity of sports is another topic that often looked at because of sports having gender specific utilisations that is acceptable by society. Women are generally everlastingly treated more(prenominal) harshly in sports than men especially at younger ages. maven reason that sports engage scholarly pertains is because of the teaching of grand values (Lewis, 2008). Sports sociology has studied higher gentility and sport and sport as a functional alternative to religion. Gender and racial discrimination in sports construct also been studied, as well as presumeionate mobility on the basis of sport supremacy that includes race and gender Another area that has been studied is the social problems of the sport that includes drugs, sports violence, and injuries.As you can see, all areas and aspects of sports, whether it was in the yester grade or present day have been studied and as always to any debate bothone has a different view and perspective. There is no right or wrong answers to the sociology of sports, just opinions on different circumstances. The reason that people participate in sports, whether it is a strike out, player, or a occupancy is for the love of the sport and the profits. Some people just love the sport, while others emphasise to make as big a profit as they can. Sports answer to a humans call for by providing a agonistic entertaining carry out.Sports can be explained from a sociological point of view as a necessity to most communitys different needs and circumstances. baseball game is a dearie pas clipping that dates as far back as 2000 B. C. with a ball and stick compositors case games. Howeve r, the first rules were written by black lovage Cartwright, considered to be the Father of modern baseball (Penn, 2006). Alexander was part of the NY Knickerbockers, which was the first organization to play baseball in the States that was established on September 23, 1845. In 1858, the family line(a) Association of Base swellingPlayers (NABBP) were created and known as the first baseball league. It wasnt until 1860 though, that it was commonly referred to as the National pastime in several publications. baseball game is one of the Statess most compete sports and continually competitive against other teams and between individuals, especially in todays age of baseball. The Sociodemographic description of fans and players of baseball is simple. The average MLB player rakes in over $2,000,000 a year if they are bailable for arbit circumscribe, which could come from disparate socioeconomic groups and from different countries.The average fan has an income of 30,000 to 40,000 a yea r and the high up luxury seating are for professionals that are in a very high income bracket and the corporate types. Being that baseball is very touristed and has a very high income potential, it is definitely a professional sport. Baseball fits in to contemporary American life by giving fans something to always talk about. This sport gives society a certain pitch of values that fans and players live by. There are also culture trends that have squeeze the sport of baseball.In fact, look at the roster of just about any Major League Baseball team, and youll convalesce many of the most talented players approach from Latin American countries (Thomas, 2007). The media constantly reports on baseball, which gives the fans something to always talk, such as if they woolly-headed or won a game. If you look at the players, most of them are younger in age and usually are not over 40. All major(ip) league players are also male, which affect the views for the fans on the sport. As a a rising sociologist, the meaning of baseball as a social institution is very clear.Baseball is talked about, whether it is off season or every game, either loss or win, that gives fans something to always talk about. Over half of America enjoys this past time and every single one of them has their own opinion, depending on their team of choice and the opposing teams. Baseball is a sport that is great to attend in person, in order to get the right effect of the national past time. The baseball game that I had the chance of observant was the Rangers versus the Angels. The setting of the baseball field was fall apart between the Ranger fans, which was a home game and the Angels fans.The field was a big diamond shape with for bases that the players have to pass after a prospered bash to the ball that the pitcher is throwing at them. There were also players from the opposing team that were stationed at each base and in the field closer to the stands. I notice that the environment ch anged drastically after each successful win that do it close to the stands. some of the fans would stand with excitement and all the players would shinny to get the ball and the player that hit it would try to run to as many bases before the is taken control of.The fans that were at the game that I attended were in their mid 20s to early 40s. The fans were a mass of men, but there were women there too. It seemed like a majority of the fans also wore their favorite player shirts and got frenetic every time the player hit the ball. It seemed that the fans age ration compared to the players were on the same levels. Most baseball player retires by time their 40, so the age comparison was evenly matched, from what I saw. The social airs that stood out were most fans would buy a baking hot dog and beer from the concessions. It is always tradition to obtain a hot dog, some of the fans would say. Fans would also be in groups for supporting their favorite teams. One special languag e and knowledge that characterizes the sport is Home Run. One particular appearance that I witnessed at the game was that when one team is winning the fans are excited and cheering and when their favorite team is losing they are booing and unhappy. Being at the Rangers game made me aware of peoples behavior and surroundings and was a great experience to participate in. Sports use to be a big part of my life when I was a kid.I can withdraw collecting the Tops baseball separate with the hard piece of gum in it. It seems that every time I got some money I would go purchase the cards. Now that I look back, I realize that was my sociology behavior of being a fan. I also played baseball in school a lot, as well as other sports, such as football and basketball. When I was playing my attitude always changed to a competitive nature and I always got the prospect of crushing the opposing team. When I look back, I was two different people when I switched from a fan to a player and vice vers a.The experiences of being a fan and a player as a kid didnt have a huge impact to my full-grown life. I think that maybe that I played and watched sports too much as a kid, because I dont have much interest in sports in my adult life. I read the newspaper to learn who wins and who is playing, but that is about it. I just learn complete to hold a conversation with my coworkers and friends and thats it. So I guess the role that it plays in my life is that I played and watched it so much that it has caused me to lose interest in it.I can see how my experiences can connect me to others who are sports fans and participants. Sports are very big for kids in school and always have been. Most kids have shared the experiences that I have evolution up. Im not received if they still sell Tops, but in time kids are easily influenced and they do what everyone else is doing. Since so many adults like to watch sports and participate, it is a good assumption to say that most kids participate i n some way or another, whether it is being a fan or participating in the sport itself.ReferencesCrossman, A. (2013). Sociology of Sports. Retrieved from http//sociology.about.com/od/Disciplines/a/Sociology-Of-Sports.htm. Ekern, J. (2013). Looking at Sports from Four Theoretical Perspectives. Retrieved from Article at Colorado Technical University Online. Lewis, J. (2008). Sociology of Sports. Retrieved from Kent State University at http//www.cengage.com/custom/enrichment_modules/data/0495598127_Sociology_of_Sports-mod_watermark.pdf. Penn, F. (2006). Early history of Baseball in America. Retrieved from Favorite Traditions. Com at http//www.favoritetraditions.com/baseball.html. Thomas, W. (2007). Sports How Culture Impacts Our Choices. Retrieved from Ezine Articles at http//ezinearticles.com/?SportsHow-Culture-Impacts-Our-Choices&id=932334.