Sports have been a meaningful part of society dating back as far as written history and maybe further. Perhaps the most prominent example of sport culture and society is the Olympic Games, which are more than 2,700 years old. In fact, countries must plead their cases years in advance to even be considered as Olympic hosts.
Sports drive society, culture, economics and every other facet of modern life. Because sports are so beloved, it is a popular area in which to grow a career. And when it comes to breaking into the wide world of sports, it helps to be educated in addition to being a fan, and a graduate degree such as a Master of Science in Sport Administration can help.
Sports and American Culture
Baseball has long been considered America’s pastime. Dating back to the Civil War, soldiers played baseball as a way to raise morale. Fast forward to the civil rights movement and Jackie Robinson, who made history by entering the major leagues with the Brooklyn Dodgers. This took place seven years before the Supreme Court considered “separate but equal” unconstitutional.
Sports are often at the forefront of cultural and civil change in part because sports are an affirmation of societal values. With the ability to bring communities together, sports are revered and teams have very dedicated fan bases. One only has to walk in a public area on any local game day to see a multitude of shirts in the resident team’s colors. In a way, sports can unite otherwise disparate groups or cultures.
The Effects of Fandom
It goes without saying that team apparel sales increase when a team does well, but other businesses may fare better as well. Restaurants, hotels, and event planning services often see upticks on and around game days. This increase extends beyond professional sports to include children’s competitive leagues and other amateur competitions.
In other words, sport culture and society help drive industries and create work for countless people around the country. After all, someone has to manage and market the teams, plan the schedules, sell the tickets, and prepare fields and stadiums for game day.
Entering the Sports World
There are plenty of jobs for those in the sports industry that do not involve athleticism. However, in order to enter this competitive sector as a manager or administrator, it helps to have a solid educational foundation. Sport administration graduate programs, like the one at Arkansas State University, prepare students to take on the high-energy world of sports.
In fact, A-State has a course called “Sport in Society,” which helps students understand the challenges amateur and professional organizations face within their societal constructs. This, of course, is part of a comprehensive program filled with law, marketing, ethics and leadership courses.
For centuries, sports culture has impacted society and people’s lives on many levels, from the businesses near sporting events to even the clothes people choose to wear. Athletes are often treated as role models, and the people who support teams, not just as fans but as employees, help shape society, too.
Sports continue to become more popular and important to modern culture, which is why well-prepared professionals are so necessary behind-the-scenes.
Learn more about the A-State Master of Science in Sport Administration online program.
Sources:
http://www.studentpulse.com/articles/676/not-just-a-game-sport-and-society-in-the-united-states