Marxist Theory and Sport Essay - 1538 Words

This essay will be an attempt to bring together the ideas from our class readings about the Marxist sociological perspective as well as insight from other readings to further my understanding of Marxism and its applications to sport. I will lay the groundwork for the theory then proceed with how his theory is applied to accessibility issues in sport, distribution of power in sport and commercialization of sport. Basics of Marxist Theory The most widely used political and ideological system of thought is that of Karl Marx. Marxism is a set of ideas trying to provide an explanation for human society. Although a little over a hundred years old his theories and thoughts have led to coups, revolutions and new waves theories and academics. As†¦show more content†¦Improving ones own position within their social hierarchy in society is impossible for the Proletariat: there is no social mobility, meritocracy (a system of social stratification based on personal merit) and/or ladder-system, as the class being born into will already determine the position in the social hierarchy (Lecture Notes, 2005). The polarization between these two classes is obvious and conflict will occur as a result of inequalities. The Marxists perspective is dominantly based on economic factors and over emphasizes them; money is assumed to be everything within society and social life. In my view, something is clearly missing here such as values and other social factors. Assuming that money is everything within society leads to assumptions that those owning the productive and therefore economic resources are given the power and use it to control those without to maintain their hegemony. Further factors that can form and shape society like gender, ethnicity, age, culture etc. are not taken into consideration and neglected. Hence the Marxist perspective focuses on having versus not having, earning versus not earning and powerful versus powerless. Marxism and Sport Marxism tries to identify which sports are accessible to whom. A recent example: in contemporaryShow MoreRelatedTheory of Marxism and Sports849 Words   |  4 Pageshow a theory invented by Karl Marx can intertwine with sports as we know it. The Marxist theory mainly affects how people can participate in different sports depending on their class status. In the first two paragraphs, the paper will describe the basic intentions of the Marxist Theory and its background. The next two paragraphs will explain how the the theory and spoats coincide. The Marxist theory is used all over the world. In fact, it is used moer than any other social theory. HisRead More Theory of marxism and sports Essay859 Words   |  4 Pagesabout to be presented is about how a theory invented by Karl Marx can intertwine with sports as we know it. The Marxist theory mainly affects how people can participate in different sports depending on their class status. In the first two paragraphs, the paper will describe the basic intentions of the Marxist Theory and its background. The next two paragraphs will explain how the the theory and spoats coincide. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;The Marxist theory is used all over the world. In factRead MoreMarxism And Functionalism : Society And Sport Essay1658 Words   |  7 PagesIn this essay a comparison of two different sociological perspectives such as Marxism and Functionalism through society and sport, highlighting the benefits and problems. Both, Marxism and Functionalism are sets of ideas trying to provide an explanation for human society and how it operates. 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