Sports and societal issues go hand and hand. Such topics include gender, race, religion, culture, media, and economic and family life. Researchers on a global scale have shown interest in this topic for many decades. Sociology is the study of the development, structure, and function of human society. Big focal topics regarding sociology and the correlation present in sports are sports and gender, sports and the media, and the role of sports and politics. These concepts are seen by the ever present gender inequality, television and film, and political agendas established by appearing at sports events.

All sports have a long history of gender inequality. These gender restrictions and biases have shaped sports into what they are today. Studies of the relationship between gender and sports have shown how the concept of gender is analytically distinguished from that of sex even though the two are used interchangeably. Not all the differences amongst females and males are biological, but throughout history, ideas about the implications of biological differences between women and men have served to justify the limited inclusion or blatant exclusion of women in sports. Such views reflect an ideology of biological determinism. It claims that men, and not women, are inherently strong, aggressive, and competitive and, therefore, better fit to participate in sports as opposed to women who are “small” and “weak.” In the 1800s, women’s participation in sports was banned, and in the 1930s a woman participating in sports was looked down upon because it was deemed to be too masculine. Even today there are gender distinctions in sports.

Media and sports are two aspects that work together hand and hand. The boom of television was in the 1940s when there was a high demand for a 24-hour television schedule. To fulfill the demand for these television spots, sports filled them. This new platform allowed for a greater audience base as opposed to the 1920s and 30s radios. There is no denying the significant impact sports has played on media. This was clearly shown by the 114.4 million people who tune in annually to watch the Super Bowl. These huge numbers indicate sports as portrayed in the media is a large portion of what Americans see. Not only is sports news broadcasting impactful, but film is as well. In film we often see a glamorization of sports and jocks who play sports get all the girls. This ideology is instilled into people until suddenly they apply these ideals to real life. Sports also affect much more than societal expectations—topics of which some may not even be aware.

Many may believe sports and politics are two puzzle pieces that simply do not fit together. To grasp the distinct connection amongst the two, one must shift ideas on what exactly politics is defined as. Sports allow for public visibility, attention, and awareness. Politicians will attend sporting events knowing there will be cameras and newspaper coverage. Attending these events in its simplest essence, can serve as a reminder of the existence of a certain politician. President Obama on several occasions has attended sports games in order to push pressing topics. Merely hours after the Belgium terrorist attacks in Mar. 2016, Obama went to a baseball game in Havana, Cuba. At the game Obama was interviewed and spoke on what America will do in opposition of the regime performing these crimes and the protection of Muslims. Going to sports games can be strategically utilized to further discuss a political agenda.

An aspect of politics called politics of culture involves how political communities and interests are created and maintained. This involves the construction of cultural frameworks and social problems. Sociologists have done studies on what would bring people together and what would serve as a unifying force in a society that was rapidly becoming more divided, diverse, and perplexing. In many instances, sports was the solution. Sporting events provide a public activity that is often just as much about the audience as the team members. A unified and collective identity is gained from this. Sports can be viewed as an institution that can reproduce existing social status quo and can work on behalf of those politicians or political parties currently in office.

Sports have an immense impact on society and shape how people perceive the world around them. Sports are much more than an institution that revolves around enjoying the game. There are much deeper sociological and psychological aspects to sports.