Sport Clubs and Parents as Socializing Agents in Sport

Abstract

As a by-product of a larger survey this study does not penetrate to the most essential problems of socialization in sport. It explains, however, the extent to which children are exposed to the influence of sport clubs in modern society, and what is the role of parents to get their children under the influence of sport clubs and associations.

The main findings of the study can be classified into four categories. First, the role of sport clubs in socialization of children is evidently greater than any other voluntary organization. About 45 per cent of all boys and 29 per cent of all girls are members of sport clubs. Second, the appreciation what sport clubs as socializing agent enjoy is, however, considerably more common than the actual membership of children. Parents' attitudes toward children's participation are favourable even among those whose own sport activity is very low or non- existent. Third, systematic training of children — one of the most visible activi ties of modern sport club socialization — is, however, an activity whose role in socialization is dispensable. The most enthusiastic upholders of competitive sport approve it without any reserve but there is also a great number of parents who consider this kind of activity a matter of great concern or at least are am bivalent in their attitudes. This kind of dispersion in attitudes toward one essential aspect of modern sport may also be a symptom of growing concern on present sport in general. Fourth, there is a great evidence that the role of parents is central in socialization of children into sport. Child's membership in sport club correlates highly with his or her parents' sport activity. The choice of ideological type of sport club depends almost solely on the choice his or her parents have made.