Introduction
This essay focuses on three sociological theories concerning softball sports. The theories chosen are macro-oriented, including conflict, values, and rationalization theories.
Conflict Theory
Conflict theory is a macro theory in sociology that suggests that social order is molded by economic interests and capitalist exploitation (Conerly et al., 2021). The theory was coined by Karl Max in the 19th century, who argued that society is ruled by capitalism, where those in power and the high social class have more influence than their minority counterparts. An example of conflict theory is gender dominance, where the dominant group, which is primarily men, has more influence on societal issues than the subordinate group, leading to social inequality.
Rationalization Theory
Max Weber, a German sociologist and economist, developed rationalization theory. Weber argued that primary historical and social processes have transformed the human mind from traditional to rational thinking (Conerly et al., 2021). Therefore, rationalization theory describes a transitional process that has enhanced the human mind’s ability to think in terms of predictability, control, and efficiency principles. An example is McDonaldization, which refers to homogenizing and standardizing the world, replacing diversity with efficiency to gain economic interest.
Value Theory
The value theory in sociology concerns societal beliefs, traditions, attitudes, and values. The theory was coined by Max Weber to study the development of social problems and society. The values dictate societal ideals and what is regarded as right or working according to different cultures and societies (Conerly et al., 2021). For example, defining gender roles according to societal beliefs of dominance and inferiority among males and females. Values are instilled at a young age, which makes a strong foundation in the individual’s life that influences their choices and lifestyles.
Gender Issues in Softball
Softball is a popular game created by George Hancock in late 1887. The game was initially played indoors to allow men to participate in sporting activities during winter. However, the game has transformed into a female sport throughout history as it was deemed safe for girls to play (Woods & Nalani, 2021). Thus, gender issues have affected how people perceive the game and their audience.
Despite the gender stereotyping, it has been dominated by males, whose games are given more time, and players are treated better than female players (Delaney, 2021). Nonetheless, softball receives less priority than other games, such as football and basketball, making it inferior and less watched, significantly impacting its audience and economic benefits. The topic is important for research because it will allow an investigation into the trends and future of the game in terms of gender equality and equal opportunities in the world of sports.
Conflict, Rationalization, and Value Theories in Softball
The sociological theories explored can be used to explain what is happening in the softball world in various ways. The theory of value explains why more women have embraced the game than men, since society believes the sport is less harsh and safer for females. Nonetheless, the rationalization theory has made the game popular among men by changing traditional thinking and capitalism to gain interest (Woods & Nalani, 2021). The game has become a beneficial business since men are more dominant in the sports world than women, ensuring significant revenue from matches.
Conclusion
Despite the sexism in the sport, softball is less popular than other sports like football and hockey due to capitalism making it inferior in sports. Football and hockey have more fans, bringing in a lot of revenue compared to softball, making them more popular and watched. If the trends continue, according to sociological theories, the future of softball is bleak due to gender inequality and capitalism (Delaney, 2021). This topic is a good example for explaining the theories because it presents contradictory perspectives regarding gender in sports, and the role of capitalism plays a significant role in shaping social issues.
References
Conerly, Tonja R., Kathleen Holmes, and Asha Lal Tamang. Introduction to sociology 3E. Houston, TX, Texas: OpenStax, Rice University, 2021.
Delaney, Tim. Sociology of sports: An introduction. 3rd ed. S.l., S.I: McFarland, 2021.
Woods, Ron, and B. Nalani Butler. Social issues in sport. Champaign, IL, Illinois: Human Kinetics, 2021.