مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - Reflections of Differences in Social Class in Sports

Abstract :

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between people’s perception of sports and the social class they belong to. The Habitus Theory developed by Pierre Bourdieu indicates the relationship between social classes and sports practices as well as rising and expanding branches of new sports. Research implemented in different societies aiming to analyze the relations between sports and stratification show there are consequences of class differences which are directly reflected in sports (Amman, 2000, 128). This study is a type of research for casuality; sectional in its time span and an applied field survey for the techniques used. Survey sheets were prepared in terms of the concept and format considering all cases and details of question preparation and survey techniques. The results of this survey revealed that there are several perceptional and applicational differences of sports in separate social classes. Lifestyles, occupations, education and the income level of people in different social classes determine both the form and level of the sports that they participate in. The hypothesis and sub hypothesis were verified according to findings that “people’s perceptions of sports, sporting aptitudes and sport practices reflect the social classes that they belong to”.