The study of sports is an area of sociology that has come a long way since the early 19th century. In 1921, a German scholar published Sociology of Sports. In 1966, a committee of international sociologists formed a journal dedicated to the study of sports and society. Since then, many universities have developed centers for the study of sports. Here are some of the main developments in the sociology of sports. Let’s look at some of the major developments in sports throughout history.
The underlying system of sports involves competitive measures that define a winner and a loser. The game also involves a comparative evaluation of participants and teams, which helps athletes learn and improve. This, in turn, leads to greater success in future related activities. Sports also fosters healthy emotions and enhances social life. Hence, the benefits of playing sports are far reaching. But not all forms of sport are created equal. Here are a few of the most important ones:
The social benefits of sports are also well documented. Young girls in particular benefit from this type of physical activity. They tend to have lower self-esteem than boys and think that their bodies are only useful if they attract boys. The Women’s Sports Foundation compiles statistics on young female athletes. According to their findings, girls who take part in school sports are 92 percent less likely to use drugs, 80 percent less likely to get pregnant and three times as many to complete college.