Karen Schmitz’s Updates

Update 4: Social Conditioning & Sport

Among the socio-behavioral learning areas of greatest interest to me is the sociology of sport. First and foremost, sport has long been ingrained in members of society as not just an outlet for emotion, but also as an entertainment and passion for many individuals. The evidence shows that for the vast majority of individuals, sport itself and the ability to participate as either a player, coach, or spectator has been largely gender-biased and geared towards heterosexual males. Social norms have reinforced such tenants and as such many individuals have been forbidden from participating in sport of all kinds based on their gender or otherwise. This does not only apply to standard athletics, but also to horseracing, card-playing, and other activities that have historically revolved around a singular and largely male experience. Since Title IX in the United States, large strides have been made in this regard, but the norms still persist. Nonetheless, quantitatively sports worldwide continue to be male dominated in areas such as participation revenues, spectatorship, etc., As social norms progress, it would be advantageous for a series of studies focusing on the effects of social norms on women who consider or actively participate in sport and how such norms shape their views and contribute to or diminish their passion and/or involvement in their chosen sport. Factors to consider in such an endeavor would include, but not be limited to, motherhood, attracting a mate, effects of family members on pursuit of careers of entertainment via sport, and a variety of other topics. Ultimately, girls and women are still taught in many corners of the country and indeed the world–whether intentionally or subconsciously—that sports are for males, and that their dreams for social recognition in such an arena are secondary by nature.