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Theories Of Conflict Theory In Sport

2059 Words9 Pages
The social theories that I have chosen to focus on are Conflict Theory and Feminist Theory. I have decided to study these concepts as they share both similar and contradictory ideas of sport participation and power in sport. I will also explore the topic of disability and sport in an attempt to illustrate the great need for integration of athletes with disabilities into mainstream clubs and teams. Finally, I will investigate the area of sexuality and sport, a subject which I believe has remained very much concealed until recent times. Conflict theory states that “social order is based on economic interests and the use of economic power to exploit labour”. (Coakley, 2003, p.28). Feminist theory is modelled on the idea that “social order is based primarily on the values, experiences, and interests of men with power. Social life and social order is gendered and based on patriarchal ideas.” (Coakley, 2003, p.29). If we study conflict theory we can see that those who possess economic power have the majority of the control in sports and sporting events. Activities such as golfing which require the purchase of expensive goods or membership are more widely accessible to those of higher socioeconomic groups. Townsend (1997) found that as well as this, those from higher socioeconomic backgrounds found it feasible to attend cricket events which could last for several days or to spend a day on the golf course. In relation to golf, when companies began to produce more affordable golf
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