Sociology in Action Activity 1

Activity 1: Conflict Theory and Student Athletes

Time frame: Approximately 60 - 90 Minutes
Setting: Online or face-to-face
Source: Chapter 2 (Doing Sociology 2.2)
from Sociology in Action, 3e,
edited by: Kathleen Odell Korgen and Maxine P. Atkinson

Doing Sociology 2.2 Conflict Theory and Student Athletes

What is a conflict perspective?

In this activity, you will apply conflict theory to analyze pay for student athletes.

NCAA regulations have traditionally limited the ways student athletes can profit from their participation in sports at their colleges and universities—even if they belong to one of the programs that collects millions of dollars in television fees and other revenues. In 2021, the NCAA changed some of these regulations and now allows athletes to benefit from the use of their “name, image, or likeness.” However, this applies to very few college athletes, and no player may receive any other compensation (aside from scholarships that cover room and board) for their athletic efforts in college (NCAA 2021).

Think about the different groups associated with college basketball and football at your school. In addition to the student athletes, there are the coaches, student fans, and others who are spectators at the games. Also consider that the great majority of football and basketball programs cost more money to run than they bring in, and these costs are partially paid with student fees (Enright, Lehren, and Longoria 2020). Using conflict theory, consider the costs, resources, and rewards that come with college basketball and football.

Write your answers to the following questions:

Conflict theorists see society as consisting of groups competing for power (including money). How do the groups related to college basketball and football programs compete for funding?
In general, are the costs, resources, and rewards of college football and basketball programs distributed fairly?
Should some or all student basketball and football athletes receive salaries for playing? Why?
Do you think it is fair for some student athletes to benefit financially from the use of their “name, image, or likeness”?

Be prepared to discuss these questions in small groups and/or report back to the class.