Page 50 - project_booklet

P A R T 4
Socialization Agents in Sports

In the socialization process, there are many other individuals, groups and institutions that have an impact
on the individual in learning social norms, skills and values. These individuals, groups or institutions are
called socialization agents or socialization agents (Figure 1). Although participation in sports is largely the
result of parental influences, the tendency to specialize in sports is based on a process consisting of various
socialization and commitment choices made by athletes (Stevenson, 1990). Thus, secondary socialization
agents such as friends and coaches come into play and also play a decisive role in participation in elite
sports (Stevenson, 1990). Schools (teachers) (Coakley & White, 1992) and mass media (Kremer-Sadlik &
Kim, 2007) are also seen as important socialization agents for sports. In the following section, the most
important socialization tools according to the literature will be discussed.

Family
The socialization process begins in infancy and continues throughout childhood. The first and apparently
most important factor in children's participation in sports is the family's attitude towards sports. Parents
have a great influence on their children's participation in physical activities. For a young child, the family is
responsible for making decisions about the type and scope of the child's activities.
Parents provide opportunities for very young children to participate in formal and informal physical
activities and provide economic and emotional support to encourage their participation. Consistent with
social learning theory, the child learns about sports participation through observing, imitating and
modeling parental involvement.

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