Social Status of Sport: Sport as a Social Event, Phenomenon and Institution

Abstract

This study aims to determine the social status of sports and discuss sports as a social event, phenomenon and institution. Society is a composition of real relations and values effecting individuals. Social status, on the other hand, is a concept which determines the situation and status of the individual in the society. Sportsmanship is a status that the individual can gain by his education, abilities and efforts. The way individuals acquire their social status can be considered as a development criterion. Social event is an occurrence which derives from interactions among individuals and happens only once. Separate changes happening are tangible and specific occasions. Societies consist of institutions. Social institution can be defined as a constitution of relations, values, norms, statues, roles, groups and establishments which organize the social structure and are accepted and adopted by the majority of the society in the scope of their basic needs. Sport is not only a social event, but also a social phenomenon and a social institution. A sports event in a particular place at a particular time is tangible and specific. It can be seen, heard and perceived. Thus, it is a social event. Sport, in its general meaning, is intangible, as well. It evolves out of observation and experience, forms basis for thinking and research, expresses continuity and determination; it is a series of events. Thus, it is a social phenomenon, as well. On the other hand, sport is one of the oldest and basic social institutions. Like all social institutions, it has arisen from social needs. It will exist as a social institution as long as these needs are there and sports can satisfy them. Sport is a fundamental part of the social integrity. Sociologically, while dealing with sporting procedures, we shall not ignore the mutual relations and connections between events and phenomena.