SOC308 WEEK 4 ASSIGNMENT

Intersectionality and the Business of Sport

[WLOs: 5 and 6] [CLOs: 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6]
Prior to completing this assignment, read Chapter 9 in your text and review
the following resources:

 Black Psychology and Black Criminality: Myths and Reality on the

Origins of Black Street LifeLinks to an external site.

 A Losing Battle? Women’s Sport Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Links to an

external site.

For this assignment, you will examine the sociological concepts of

intersectionality based on the business of sports. Answer the following
questions below in a five-to-seven-page reflection:

 Explain why different U.S. regions, such as the South, North,

Southwest, and Midwest, may produce different interactions among
race, gender, and sports. How might both history and economic
conditions affect these differences?

 Analyze how the business of sports is significantly influenced by

other institutions, such as educational and community
organizations.

o
 How might changes in these institutions (values,
structure, or resources) lead to the increased or
decreased participation of various groups in
sports?

 Summarize how the interactions among race, gender, and sport

have changed across the United States. What might be the future
trends in sports, based on current demographics and other potential
shifts? For example, how might fan bases influence trends?

 Some identities in society provide a certain level of status to the

people who embody them. In some communities, for example,
becoming a professional athlete or being in the entertainment
industry (e.g., being a musician or an actor) may be seen as “ways
out.” Describe your current beliefs about how an identity, such as
that of a professional athlete, lessens the likelihood of individuals
SOC308 WEEK 4 ASSIGNMENT

experiencing racism and racial profiling? Please present your

answer in detail.

 Define how sports have affected your own life. What kinds of racial
messages have been associated with your contact with sports?

o
 If you did not engage or interact with sports,
consider using someone you know to address.

The Intersectionality and the Business of Sport paper must:

 Be 5 double-spaced pages in length (not including title and

references pages) and formatted according to APA StyleLinks to an
external site. as outlined in the Writing Center’s APA Formatting for
Microsoft WordLinks to an external site. resource.

 Use at least one scholarly source in addition to the course text.

 Your paper should contain limited quoted material (two sentences

or less), and most of the information should be in your own words
explaining your understanding of the material.

 Use these template guidelines Download template guidelines.

 Must utilize academic voice. See the Academic VoiceLinks to an

external site. resource for additional guidance.

 Must document any information used from sources in APA style as

outlined in the Writing Center’s Citing Within Your PaperLinks to an
external site. guide.

 Must include a separate references page formatted according to

APA style as outlined in the Writing Center. See the Formatting Your
References ListLinks to an external site. resource in the Writing
Center for specifications.

You will have until 11:59 p.m. on Day 7 (Monday) to submit this assignment.
Carefully review the Grading RubricLinks to an external site. for the criteria
that will be used to evaluate your assignment.
SOC308 WEEK 4 ASSIGNMENT

SOC308 Week 4 Assignment

Student’s Name

Institution Affiliations

Instructor

Date
SOC308 WEEK 4 ASSIGNMENT

Intersectionality and the Business of Sport

Introduction

In the United States, the intersectionality of race, gender, and sports is a complicated

problem with many sides that have changed over time due to historical, economic, and

regional factors. Different parts of the U.S. have very different relationships between these

factors, which shows how culturally and socially diverse the country is (Potter et al., 2019).

There are many connections between the sports business and other social institutions, like

schools and neighbourhood groups. This makes it harder for some people to participate and be

represented in sports. To understand the current state of sports in the U.S. and predict what

will happen, it is important to understand these relationships and what they mean. This paper

will examine how race, gender, and sports interact differently in different parts of the United

States. It will also highlight how other institutions affect the sports business, summarize how

these interactions have changed over time, and talk about the future of sports in light of these

trends. The discussion will also delineate how sports have affected my life and the racial

messages that come with those events.

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SOC308 WEEK 4 ASSIGNMENT

Regional Variations in Race, Gender, and Sports

The United States is a large and varied nation, and every area has a distinct cultural,

historical, and economic setting that influences relationships among race, gender, and sports.

For instance, the Civil Rights Movement and segregation legacy profoundly affected sports in

the South. Historically, African American athletes in the South encountered racial

discrimination from both peers and officials, as well as major obstacles to participation in

sports, including segregation in schools and public facilities (Banaji, 2021). Notwithstanding

these obstacles, sports turned into a vital forum for African Americans to exercise their rights

and combat racial disparities. Racial boundaries were broken down, and social transformation

was greatly encouraged in the South by the mix of college and professional sports.

Nonetheless, the deeply ingrained racial past of the South still shapes the relationships among
SOC308 WEEK 4 ASSIGNMENT

race, gender, and sports in the area, frequently resulting in tensions and disputes over

concerns such as the Confederate flag and its connection with Southern sports clubs.

By contrast, the North's unique past has moulded its sports scene. With a notable

immigration flood in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the North was more industrialized

and urbanized. This demographic change produced a varied and cosmopolitan setting where

several racial and ethnic groups coexisted, usually resulting in a more inclusive sports scene

(Gasparini, 2010). Racial conflicts were not absent in the North, however. Though they

experienced prejudice as well, African American athletes in the North were usually able to

find more chances to engage in sports, especially in areas with significant Black populations.

Thanks partly to the North's progressive views regarding gender equality and women's rights,

its sports scene has traditionally been more welcoming to women. This inclusivity has helped

to create a more varied and vibrant sports scene in the North, where race and gender interact

in nuanced ways.

The U.S. Southwest and Midwest areas offer another set of interactions involving race,

gender, and sports. With so many Hispanic people, the Southwest boasts a sports culture

strongly impacted by Latin American customs, such as baseball and soccer. Hispanic athletes'

participation and presence in sports can be limited, nevertheless, by issues with language

difficulties, immigrant status, and economic inequalities. Deeply ingrained in community and

high school athletics, the Midwest, known for its strong work ethic and agricultural legacy,

has a sports culture (Manwell et al., 2021). Athletes from many backgrounds have special

chances and problems in this area where racial and gender concerns frequently cross with

class and rural-urban divisions.

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The Influence of Other Institutions on the Business of Sports

Sports business does not function in a vacuum; it is greatly impacted by other social

institutions, including community and educational groups. These establishments significantly

influence the resources, structures, and ideals that define who engages in sports and how they

are portrayed. Key participants in the sports business are educational institutions, especially

colleges and universities. High school and collegiate athletics are the main revenue sources
SOC308 WEEK 4 ASSIGNMENT

and cause of community pride in many areas of the United States. Nonetheless, the

availability of sports programs differs significantly depending on the resources available to

institutions, which are usually affected by the socioeconomic level of the society (Kassing et

al., 2004). Rich schools usually have better facilities, more seasoned coaches, and more

support for their sports programs, resulting in higher levels of involvement and performance

in athletics. Schools in low-income neighbourhoods, on the other hand, sometimes find it

difficult to offer basic sports activities, therefore restricting possibilities for students,

especially those from minority backgrounds. This discrepancy in resources helps to explain

the underrepresentation of some racial and ethnic groups in higher levels of sports since they

might not have the same chances to grow in their abilities and compete at a top level.

Sports businesses depend greatly on community organizations such as recreational

facilities and young sports leagues. These groups can greatly influence an athlete's

development and frequently offer young people the first chance to engage in sports. Still,

socioeconomic elements impact community organizations just as they do educational

institutions. Youth sports leagues are frequently well-funded and well-run in more affluent

areas with access to first-rate facilities and instruction (Acquah-Sam, 2021). On the other

hand, young sports programs may be underfunded and poorly run in lower-income areas,

restricting chances for young athletes to grow their abilities. This resource gap might result in

lower sports engagement among some racial and ethnic groups, sustaining

underrepresentation in the sports industry.

Changes in the Interactions Among Race, Gender, and Sports

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Reflecting more general societal changes and demographic changes, the interactions

among race, gender, and sports in the United States have changed dramatically throughout the

years. The growing attention to and performance of minority athletes in professional sports is

among the most obvious improvements. The Civil Rights Movement, the integration of sports,

and the growing commercialization of sports have all helped to create this change, among

other elements. Sports have grown increasingly commercialized, and as talent and

performance have taken the front stage, minority athletes now have more chances to excel at

the toughest levels of competition. Still, minority athletes, especially women of colour, have

great difficulties despite these advances (Lim et al., 2021). Women of colour sometimes

experience several kinds of prejudice, including both racial and gender bias, which might

restrict their chances and sports representation. For instance, female athletes of colour

sometimes face preconceptions that suggest they are less feminine or less competent than their

White counterparts, which reduces media coverage and sponsorship possibilities. This

intersectional discrimination emphasizes the importance of constant efforts to solve the

particular difficulties experienced by women of colour in sports.

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Several developments will probably affect the relationships among race, gender, and

sports in the United States. Changing national demographics is one of the most important

developments. There is probably an increased need for the representation of many racial and

ethnic groups in sports as the United States becomes more diversified (Schnabel, 2020). Fans,

who increasingly want to see themselves reflected in the sports they watch, are driving this

demand, as are athletes. With more focus on diversity and inclusion, this demographic
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transition might cause changes in the way sports are sold and monetized. Another possible

trend is the increasing relevance of digital channels and social media in determining sports

operations. Athletes' and teams' interactions with fans have already been greatly changed by

social media, and this trend is probably going to last going forward (Schnabel, 2020). By

bypassing established media sources and enabling athletes to create their brands, social media

channels give them a direct means of interacting with followers. For minority athletes,

especially those who participate on social media and can utilize it to advocate for themselves

and their causes, this change can result in more visibility and impact.

The Role of Sports in My Life and Racial Messages

Sports have been important in my life since they helped me define my values and

character. Growing up, I participated in various sports, giving me chances to learn life

lessons, including discipline, collaboration, and endurance. However, the racial dynamics of

my town also affected my sporting experiences. Knowing that I was representing not only

myself but also my racial group, as a person of colour, I frequently felt under pressure to

prove myself in athletics. As I negotiated the expectations put on me by coaches, friends, and

the larger community, this pressure was both a source of inspiration and stress. The notion

that some activities were more "appropriate" for particular racial groups was among the most

important racial messages I encountered in sports. For instance, tennis and golf were seen as

"White" sports, whereas basketball and football were sometimes regarded as "Black" ones.

These preconceptions affected the sports I decided to play and my impression of others in

those disciplines. In sports considered as more "White," I frequently felt like an outsider
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trying to fit in and prove I belonged. This event emphasizes how common racial prejudices

are in sports and how they could restrict possibilities and support racial differences.

Notwithstanding these obstacles, athletics allowed me to question and overcome these

preconceptions. Using my sports involvement, I developed ties with individuals from several

racial and ethnic origins, dismantling obstacles and fostering community. These encounters

helped me see the value of diversity and inclusion in athletics and the need to establish

environments where every athlete, regardless of gender or colour, may flourish.

Conclusion

Racial, gender, and sports intersectionality in the United States is a complicated and

changing topic moulded by historical, economic, and regional elements. Other social

institutions, such as education and community organizations, which significantly affect who

engages in sports and how they are portrayed, greatly impact the business of sports. Though

the visibility and success of minority athletes have improved significantly, issues still exist,

especially for women of colour. Looking ahead, shifting demographics and the expanding

relevance of social media will probably influence the interactions among race, gender, and

sports in fresh and important new directions. For those of us whom athletics has moulded,

these problems are intellectual and personal, mirroring our challenges with race and identity.

We must keep tackling the particular difficulties experienced by minority athletes and

establish a more inclusive and fair sports environment for everybody.

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References

Acquah-Sam, E. (2021). Developing sports for economic growth and development in

developing countries. European Scientific Journal, 17(15), 172–216.

Banaji, M. R., Fiske, S. T., & Massey, D. S. (2021). Systemic racism: individuals and

interactions, institutions and society. Cognitive research: principles and implications,

6(1), 82.

Gasparini, W. (2010). Sport Facing the Test of Cultural Diversity (Integration and

Intercultural Dialogue in Europe: Analysis and Practical Examples). Council of

Europe.
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Kassing, J. W., Billings, A. C., Brown, R. S., Halone, K. K., Harrison, K., Krizek, B., ... &

Turman, P. D. (2004). Communication in the sports community: The enacting, (re)

producing, consuming, and organizing sport. Annals of the International

Communication Association, 28(1), 373–409.

Lim, H., Jung, E., Jodoin, K., Du, X., Airton, L., & Lee, E. Y. (2021). Operationalization of

intersectionality in physical activity and sports research: A systematic scoping review.

SSM-population health, 14, 100808.

Manwell, A. K., Johnson, J. E., & Walker, K. B. (2021). International Hispanic intercollegiate

student-athletes in NCAA Division I: A qualitative exploration of culture in the

student-athlete experience. Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics, 14(1), 20.

Potter, L., Zawadzki, M. J., Eccleston, C. P., Cook, J. E., Snipes, S. A., Sliwinski, M. J., &

Smyth, J. M. (2019). The intersections of race, gender, age, and socioeconomic status:

Implications for reporting discrimination and attributions to discrimination. Stigma

and health, 4(3), 264.

Schnabel, L. (2020). Religion across axes of inequality in the United States: Belonging,

behaving, and believing at the intersections of gender, race, class, and sexuality.

Religions, 11(6), 296.