The Function of Sports

Sports have many function. Not only development of physical, but social function. The function is divided into two view point-functionalism and conflict theory.

View point of Functionalism
Few days ago, Brazil world-cup was opened. When world-cup is started, the people has integrated. For example, in 2002 World-cup, We cheer for their national teams and celebrated victory and nobody care about stranger. In this period, we were just same soccer fan.

And in world-cup, All country become equal. every country get same chance, play on same ground and rules. Also It doesn't matter the international problem between tow country such as North Korea and South Korea. We don't consider about player's ethnic, nationality or even whether he is Gay or not. Think about these effect, we can regard sports as medium of peace.

View point of Conflict theory
In this view point, the role of sports is anesthetic. As mass media emphasize the exciting effect, we are insensible about social issues. For example, during the 2002 world-cup, there was as engagement which outbreak between South and North Korea in Yellow Sea. Six soldiers was killed in action. But at that time, we are watching world-cup game which determine third or fourth place. Most of all don't care about Yellow Sea and the victim to his post of duty has been forgotten.
Not only this example, many leadership class abuse sports.