This module examines the dynamics of social class in sports and aims to answer the question of whether money and power matter in sports. Many people love sports because they appear to us to be a true meritocracy—a level playing field where the team or player who is the most talented and deserving wins. This module provides a critical look at that concept. We will define social class and class ideology. We will identify those with power in sports and even take a look at the public financing of sports stadiums, among other things. We will also examine the concept of sport as a vehicle for upward social mobility (i.e. rags to riches stories).

1. If your favorite sports team was threatening to leave its city if they could not get tax-payer funding for their multi-billion dollar stadium and you had an opportunity to vote on giving the team tax money, would you vote in favor of it or against it? Why? Do you think that money would be better spent elsewhere?

2. The foundation of class ideology in the United States consists of two beliefs: (1) a belief in the American Dream, and (2) a belief that the U.S. is a meritocracy. While these are romantic notions, they are not an entirely accurate portrayal of the social class system in the US as they largely ignore the concept of life chances. Many people love sports because they believe athletic competition is one of the only true meritocracies in the United States, but are they? Can we tout sports as a great vehicle for upward social mobility when studies show that people of lower socio-economic status are precluded in participating youth sport?