J. Schwartz Resources

Schwartz, J. (1978). A sociological treatment of the institution sport with emphasis on its potential for adolescent socialization. Cornell University.

OVERVIEW

Schwartz’s work is an effort to renew the call for greater integration of sport sociology into the mainstream discipline of sociology. He believes that it would be helpful to examine sports as a social institution and follow empirical investigations into issues raised within the institution, that is, the potential impact of modern athletics on the socialization of the American male adolescent. Schwartz wrote this book as part of his doctoral dissertation, which he has refined since receiving.

After a brief introduction, the opening chapter offers in-depth consideration to the rationale for increased sociological exploration of sport, highlighting its massiveness and universality, and its dynamic interrelationships with other social institutions.

The next section provides a broad overview of the institution of sport by focusing corresponding chapters on three central sets of questions: Looking at crucial terms, establishing a conceptual foundation for the study of sport, and determining what can be learned.

The final section of the book studies the potential for socialization, giving particular attention to the role in adolescent socialization.

The author concludes that athletic participation on the high school level gives the participant greater satisfaction toward the encompassing society, stronger values based on achievement, and a more positive attitude toward self. Also there seems to be correlation between athletic participation and the work ethic, scholarship, self-esteem, and fate control. He notes the possibility of functional effects, on individual and social levels, being contingent on success and winning.

The work is laborious to read and the author’s conclusion arrogant. He does have some positive things to say toward the need for further study in this discipline but addressed it in the wrong manner. His empirical data is well-done and extensive; however, the personal vigor of the author leaves readers with a bad taste.

IMPLICATIONS

1. This topic needs further discussion of its merit in the socialization of adolescents. There are some positive outcomes of sport participation, yet also some negative. The idea of using athletics as an alternative for leisure time activities, for example, has more merit than as a process of socialization.
2. Sports in youth group programs are important. The building of self-esteem, work ethic, and other virtues is a benefit of sports programs.
3. A sense of fair play and relationship building versus the competition and greed need to be emphasized. Athletics has been known to be used to ‘get-ahead,’ often at the expense of others. When involved in the team concept, emphasis must be placed on team strength and not individual performance.
4. Sports are a way of playing, and therefore, relating. If used in a group setting, all involved should feel like ‘winners’ at the end of the contest. That way, it directs kids toward the peace and harmony they strive to obtain.