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Section One: The Fundamentals
A) What do we know about sport? What are common assumptions we make about sport and society?
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Sports doesn’t necessarily speak a universal language, the idea that everybody can relate to sports in some way or another is just simply untrue. Those who play sports may find it very hard to relate and befriend someone who does not like sports. For example some people may be able to openly express themselves through artwork or writing, but as soon as they pick up a ball or try a sport they feel unsure of themselves or unhappy. On the other hand those who love sports and use sport as meaning or purpose, may find it hard to enjoy the arts, and can not express themselves in that way. Although it’s not as black and white as liking or disliking sports, some sports may not speak the same language as another sport. Surfers and Soccer players for instance may not be able to communicate as easily as Ringette players and Hockey players. |
Exercise 3: Notebook prompt
What are some other metanarratives about sport that you are familiar with? Find an image or video clip or draw something yourself that captures this idea…
So what? Why does any of this matter? Does it matter? As something we grow up with – live with – play through – we don’t often interrogate the meanings of sport, and perhaps we don’t want to.
But being aware of these assumptions and metanarratives is especially important, I would argue, because of the centrality of sport to our everyday lives, the role that sport plays in shaping our childhood and worldviews and….. [finish that thought]
| Sport is packed with metanarratives, the big stories that shape how we think about it and its role in society. One of the most obvious is the “underdog story,” where someone overcomes the odds to achieve greatness. You see this everywhere, from movies like Rocky to real-life athletes like Simone Biles or Lionel Messi. Another common narrative is the idea that sport builds character and teaches life lessons like teamwork, discipline, and resilience. This is something coaches and parents drill into us from a young age. Then there’s the narrative of sport as a universal language, bringing people together across cultures and politics, I think of the Olympics or World Cup. For me, one clip that captures these ideas is the Nike “You Can’t Stop Us” ad. It shows athletes of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, highlighting how sport is for everyone and how it unites us even through challenges like the pandemic. So why does any of this matter? It matters because these metanarratives shape how we see sport and ourselves. If we only focus on the “winning at all costs” narrative, we risk prioritizing competition over well-being or inclusivity. If we buy into the idea that sport is only for the “talented,” we exclude people who might play for fun or health. Recognizing these assumptions lets us see sport for what it truly is. By thinking critically, we can shape sport into something more meaningful for everyone. |
B) What is social justice?
Exercise 4: Padlet Prompt
Think back to the last section and try to look at some of the ideas we discussed differently. How might sport and social justice actually co-exist?
Record any images, video clips, or gifs you added to the padlet and identify a point of intersection between sport and social justice (can be an issue or a barrier or a debate or something you would like to explore in more depth in this course) . Screenshot or paste in your response below.
| Sports are supposed to be for everyone, but the reality is that they’re becoming more of a privilege than a right. The costs are ridiculous, gear, team fees, travel expenses, it all adds up fast. For families with limited income, it’s just not doable. It’s unfair because sports teach so many important life skills, like teamwork, discipline, and leadership, but a lot of kids never get that chance just because their parents can’t afford it. Public funding for community programs is shrinking, and it feels like only the elite can afford to play. Sports should unite us, not divide us by income. |
C) Social Justice Reading
D) KINESIOLOGY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
Exercise 6:
What are the implications of bodies-at-risk discourse and the refusal to understand the health gap from a social justice perspective, according to the authors of this article?
| The authors argue that focusing on bodies-at-risk without looking at the health gap from a social justice perspective makes it harder to address the real causes of health inequality. This kind of discourse blames individuals for their health problems instead of recognizing how factors like poverty, racism, or lack of access to resources create these issues in the first place. By ignoring the social and systemic roots of health disparities, policies end up maintaining inequalities rather than fixing them. The authors highlight that understanding health inequities through a social justice lens is crucial to creating fair and effective solutions that address the bigger picture. |
Section Two: Sport Feminism
Exercise 7: Notebook Prompt
What is feminism? What does it mean to you? Choose one of the images below and explain how it captures your understanding of feminism (or find one that does speak to you and paste this into your pressbook with an explanation of why it matters to you.
| Feminism, to me, is about equality, empowerment, and breaking down the barriers that restrict individuals based on their gender. It’s a movement that challenges oppressive systems and fights for a world where everyone has the freedom to live authentically, without societal limitations or discrimination. Feminism isn’t just about advocating for women’s rights, it’s about ensuring equity for all genders, and recognizing how race, class, and other identities impact experiences of oppression. The image I’ve chosen, the iconic “We Can Do It!” poster featuring Rosie the Riveter, perfectly captures my understanding of feminism. This image represents strength, resilience, and the power of women to challenge traditional gender roles. It has become a symbol of female empowerment and the fight for gender equality. This poster resonates with me because it reminds me that feminism is about collective action and the belief that change is possible. It’s a call to recognize the strength in everyone, regardless of gender, and to deconstruct stereotypes that define what people can or cannot do. The confident expression and rolled-up sleeve in the image symbolize a readiness to fight for justice and equality, which aligns with my own understanding of feminism as an active, ongoing effort to create a more inclusive and fair society. |
Exercise 8: Notes Prompt (optional)
Exercise 9: Crossword Activity
Exercise 10: Padlet Prompt
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| I think the landscape for women’s sports is definitely changing, and it’s exciting to see. Athletes like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark have brought so much attention to women’s basketball, and their talent and competitiveness are showing people that women’s sports are just as exciting as men’s. Social media plays a huge role in this shift too, highlights, interviews, and even the drama between players get shared so widely now that it’s hard to ignore how good these athletes are. That said, I think there’s still a long way to go. People are starting to care more about women’s sports, but it’s not on the same level as men’s yet. You can see it in things like the difference in media coverage, salaries, and even how full the arenas are for some games. It feels like women athletes have to work twice as hard to prove they’re worth watching, even though their skills and stories are just as compelling. But the enthusiasm is growing, and that’s encouraging. Every time people show up to watch women’s games or talk about them online, it’s a step forward. Athletes like Reese and Clark are paving the way, and if we keep giving women’s sports the respect and attention they deserve, the landscape will keep changing for the better. It’s not perfect, but it feels like we’re moving in the right direction. |
