Aggression and Violence in Sports
53504
Recreation & Sports
Nov 8, 2007
j_hardcastle89
Aggression and Violence in Sports
For anyone living in the American society, it does not take a sociologist or a political scientist to call attention to which extend sports has permeated the American way of life. Newspapers devote an entire section of their daily editions to the coverage of sports such as golf , football, soccer, and more. Newsprint about sport surpasses even that given to economy, politics, or any other single topic of interest. Television brings into contemporary households over 1,200 hours of live and taped sporting events every year, sometimes disrupting the usual family life and other times it provides a collective focus to a family's attention. Whether involved as spectators, participants, or sponsors, sport has been given an ideological foundation through the development of a belief system that outlines the supposed merits of sport. Sociologists support that sports open the door for the formation of amicable relationships between players, communities, racial groups, and even nations. Although sport has emerged as a relatively important element of people's dominant value system and has received unquestionable support from the vast majority over the globe, sports violence has not been accepted as a necessary ingredient of athletic societies. Since it is popularly believed that sports build character and provide outlet for aggressive energy, scholars have studied the implications of sport violence and scientists have come up with a number of theories to explain how human aggression brings violence into the sphere of sports. Although the terms "aggression" and "violence" are frequently coupled in psychological reviews and books, an overt distinction between them is rarely drawn. According to Gerda Siann, a behavioral scientist, who attempts to separate the two terms, "Aggression involves the intention to hurt or emerge superior to others, does not necessarily involve physical injury (violence) and may or may not be regarded as being underpinned by different kinds of motives" (Siann, 1985). In other words, violence may occur as a result of aggressive intent. This leads to another question; is violence always a result of aggressive intent? If violence is to be defined as the use of greater physical force or intent, is it possible to cite instances where such physical force is used to injure others without aggression being involved? If aggression is seen as the intentional infliction of injury to others, then any violence act must, if intended, be regarded as aggressive, according to the summative description Siann has proposed for aggression. This hypothesis, directly relates the issue to the theory of motivation. Sports are based on motivation theories since the core of athletic competition is linked to the human compulsion towards excellence and superiority. Thus, it seems logical to accept that sports are based on human motives (e.g. compulsion to win), which if not adequately fulfilled, can elicit extreme behavioral patterns (e.g. violent acts), which in turn are the byproducts of repressed aggression.
Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Sports, Golf, and Recreation
send email to j_hardcastle89
Write a Review
Add to My Favorite
Refer it to Friend
Report Article
Other links owned by this user
For anyone living in the American society, it does not take a sociologist or a political scientist to call attention to which extend sports has permeated the American way of life. Newspapers devote an entire section of their daily editions to the coverage
Category:
More and more people have wondered whether Pilates is a form of exercise that can improve their muscle fitness and increase their strength. Experts believe that Pilates can indeed reduce a person's stress levels while increasing his or her mental awarenes
Category:
Financial statements both report on a firm's position at a point in time and on its operations over some past period.
Category:
Next Sunday morning, surprise your angels by inviting them to the kitchen and join them in creating their own breakfast.
Category:
Golfer Michelle Wie has gained worldwide attention for her attempts to compete in the men's PGA Tour, about how she has come so close (one stroke short of qualifying for the 2004 PGA Tour Sony Open) yet never quite made the cut.
Category:
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a classic horror movie which has been replicated in every shape and form over the years by a host of movies. Wes Craven paid homage to the storyline in the 1980s when he released the original The Hills Have Eyes.
Category:
Since the introduction of mass media, academic debates in the field of communications and among the everyday discussions of citizens around the world, tend to emphasize on the importance of news and entertainment media as mediums of political discourse.
Category:
In recent years, the arrival in the United States of players like Ichiro Suzuki and Hideki Matsui has enlightened Americans about the popularity of the sport in Japan. But most Americans don't know that Japan has almost as long a baseball history as the U
Category:
Many are familiar with the image of an Anglo-Saxon gentleman, who walks in the rain while protected by an umbrella held by his servant over his head. Numerous representations, like the famous drawing of Thomas Wright Domestic Manners of the English, portr
Category:
Every year, before schools and college institutions begin their classes, students from around the country visit department stores and major electronics chains in an effort to get all those necessities that will allow them to complete successfully their st
Category:
The Red Hot Chili Peppers are a band that has transcended the scope of pop culture , adapting to new trends while still maintaining their original funk-based style.
Category:
So, you've decided you want to start your own business. You have a novel product to sell or an expert service to deliver.
Category:
The most important aspect of a game that inspires more gamers to play it is the amount of challenge it provides. The best way of making a game more challenging is to make it multiplayer.
Category:
If you believe that the excess weight around your waistline is a product of poor metabolism, you are probably right. Low levels of metabolism are indeed a serious cause of keeping those extra fat cells trapped in your body. But do not panic.
Category:
One of the best ways to tone your body is actually jumping around. Not exactly as a kid does because it just received those happy news that it is going to get the bicycle of its dreams, but close enough.
Category:
Part of our everyday lives, computers have evolved from a tool at work to a personal calendar, a friendly network facilitator and a necessary guide. Although computers have transformed the way we see things and understand the world around us
Category:
You've probably seen it at the local ball field. A well-meaning, but overzealous parent-coach screaming at a team full of little kids as if the World Series was on the line.
Category:
As much as people are fond of keeping pets, inhumane actions are often reported from across the globe. Pets serve as man's joy and relief and enriching existence bring a few moments of joy to people's monotonous, tedious lives.
Category:
Being a teenager is a troubling time. While adjusting to all the changes going on both in your biology and your responsibilities, making the right decisions can be hard when it comes to topics such as relationships.
Category:
Although it is not an unfamiliar sight to witness a Tarot reader drawing out cards from a deck of 78 to advice on problems ranging from relationships to career wellbeing, most people find it difficult to imagine doing the actual reading themselves.
Category:
Other links at Recreation & Sports
If you want to start boxing, you may be wondering where to start your training. Following are some tips to help you get started.
Category:
The first giant of boxing was the bare knuckled champion, John L. Sullivan. Also known as The Boston Strong Boy, John L. is generally acknowledged as the first modern day world's champion.
Category:
Sports have been bringing people from all over the world together since the first Olympics in Greece many years ago. Sports bring people a since of accomplishment but more importantly, unity. When playing a sport, whether it is with multiple people or
Category:
Advanced vertical jump training exercises are a faster method for athletes to increase and improve their vertical jump. This article will discuss some advanced vertical jump training exercises that give faster results.
Category:
One important accessory your bike should never be without is a good locking system. Just because you live in a relatively safe neighborhood doesn't mean you have no need for a lock.
Category:
Site Sponsor
Directory Statistics
Articles: 68252
Categories: 501
Yahoo Entertainment
