Free Speech in Sport Teach-Out

“… the social significance of sport cannot be apprehended in the absence of a much broader understanding of the structure of society as a whole."

(Hartman, 2000, p. 242)

Social Theories allow us to examine, describe, analyze, interpret, and understand sports in the context of the social world in which it exists, and the social relationships on which it is based.

In this reading, we will briefly cover the following social theories:

• Functionalist Theory
• Conflict Theory
• Interactionist Theory
• Critical Theory
• Critical Race Theory
• Feminist Theory

Functionalist Theory

Functionalist Theory assumes social order is based on a consensus and shared values, which hold the interrelated parts of society together. Functionalist Theory examines how sport fits into and maintains the social order, and illustrates important norms in society.

From a Functional Theory Perspective, speech and expressions, as elements of the social system in sport, operate efficiently when each part of the system stays “in sync” with other parts, thereby maintaining solidarity. Free speech and expressions in sport are embraced in the context of whether they maintain the ‘good’ of sport and the ‘harmony’ and social order that sport provides.

Conflict Theory

Rather than social order as harmonious, Conflict Theory assumes that social order is based on conflict based on economic power and exploitation to sustain inequities.Conflict Theory posits sport as an ‘opiate’ that distracts attention away from the problems that affect those without economic power. Conflicts such as free speech and expression are endemic in sports are based on power differentials, social structures, and class relations. Conflict Theory contends that social actions regarding free speech and expression in sport are needed to raise class consciousness and to make people aware of their alienation and powerlessness.

Interactionist Theory

Interactionist Theory assumes that social order is created by people as they interact with each other. It posits sport as a form of culture that is created through social interactions. Interactionist Theory examines how individuals shape society and are shaped by society through meaning that arises in interactions through participating in sport. Interactionist Theory views free speech and expressions as symbols that become meaningful interpretations of salient elements of our identities. Promotes and understanding of free speech and expression in sport based on the manner in which individuals are allowed to meaningfully interact in sport, and define and shape sport to fit their realities.

Critical Theory

Critical Theory assumes that social order is negotiated through struggles over ideology, representation, and power. It posits sport as a cultural practice that represses and/or empowers people. Critical Theory brings attention to whose voices are/are not represented in the narratives, images, and expressions that constitute sports.

From a Critical Theory perspective, sport is viewed as a site for challenging and transforming exploitative and oppressive forms of social relations, and challenging the voices and perspectives of those with power.

Critical Race Theory

Critical Race Theory offers critical lenses from the social location and standpoint of race and racism. It challenges the notions of color-blindness or race neutrality, and facilitates analyses of sport through the lens of race-consciousness. Critical race theory examines how elements of race and racism are embedded in social relations, social injustice, and distribution of power in sport. Critical Race Theory illuminates our understanding of how and why free speech and expressions in sport are influenced by dynamics of race and racism.

Critical Feminist Theory

Critical Feminist Theory assumes social order is based primarily on the values, experiences, and interests of men with power. Critical Feminist Theory asserts that sport contains gender ideology that privileges men over women and some men over others.

Promotes an understanding of free speech and expressions in sport as sites for challenging and transforming oppressive forms of gender relations, exposing and resisting homophobia, misogyny, and other patriarchal ideologies.

Related Readings

Below are some readings for further exploration on social theory.

• Coakley, J. (2017). Sports in society: Issues and controversies (12th Ed). New York: McGraw Hill.
• Eitzen, D.S (2015). Sport in contemporary society: An anthology (10th Ed). Oxford, England, UK: Oxford University Press.
• Hartman, D. (2000). Rethinking the relationship between sport and race in American Culture: Golden ghettos and contested terrain. Sociology of Sport Journal, 17, 229-253.
• Hylton, K. (2009). ‘Race’ and sport: Critical race theory. New York: Routledge.
• Messner, M. A (1988). Sports and male domination: The female athlete as contested ideological terrain, Sociology of Sport Journal, 5, 197-211.