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Introduction
The number of African Americans in baseball has remained quite small in the United States. The issue is social in nature since it affects people in the nation differently. A detailed study will reveal the major reasons why African Americans have not been involved in this sport. This paper gives an analysis of this social predicament and explains how a research study can be done to understand it much better.
Analysis of the Issue
Statistics indicate that the highest percentage of African American players in baseball was recorded in 1981 at 18.7 percent (Hogan 2014). Today, the proportion has reduced significantly to less than 5 percent (Brown and Bennett 2015). It is important to analyze this problem from a sociological perspective in order to understand its root causes and propose evidence-based solutions to deal with it.
Sociological approaches can present theoretical exemplars for examining how social foundations influence human relations and behaviors. For instance, conflict theory is a model that explains how competition for resources and opportunities exists in a given society. The struggle results in a situation whereby the elite dominates and control the less fortunate. The lack of opportunities is believed to be a major reason why African Americans have not been keen to embrace the sport. Symbolic interactionism also describes how specific individuals interpret the surrounding environment (Brown and Bennett 2015). When people attach specific meanings to events or symbols, their behaviors and notions tend to be influenced accordingly.
The use of sociological perspectives can make it easier for scholars to understand why African Americans do not embrace baseball. This understanding can ensure better practices and approaches are considered to transform the situation (Brown and Bennett 2015). When different racial groups are involved in social activities such as sports, it becomes possible for them to achieve upward mobility and maximize their potential.
Past studies have indicated clearly that baseball’s inability to promote instant excitement is one of the factors discouraging African Americans from embracing it. Since many African Americans are born out of wedlock, it becomes extremely hard for them to promote the sport (Hogan 2014). Experts also believe that past sociological developments and race relations in the United States have played a significant role in determining who plays baseball.
Peer-Reviewed Research Article Summary
The article “Foul Lines: Teaching Race in Jim Crow America through Baseball History” describes how the story of Jackie Robinson, the first baseball player from the African American community, should act as a reminder of the nature of race relations in the country. Robinson is believed to have broken the sport’s color line (Laliberte 2013). Unfortunately, the future would be gloomy for every member of the race focusing on baseball. The article indicates that baseball was only viewed as an appropriate game for African Americans before 1947.
The author observes that athletic segregation emerged after the period whereby non-whites and whites were expected to play separately. This notion defined the future of baseball in the country. Many African American players (and those from other races) believed that unwritten rules or boundaries existed, thereby affecting the nature of the sport (Laliberte 2013). Similarly, the overwhelming support from members of the white community appeared to reinforce this racial gap.
The exclusion of people of color during the 1950s discouraged more African Americans from joining the sport. This existing racial barrier made it hard for people of African descent to play baseball (Laliberte 2013). The increased level of stigma against different racial groups explains why African Americans believed that the sport was preserved for white players.
The author goes further to explain how the perceptions of African Americans encouraged them to ignore the sport. Additionally, members of the race viewed baseball as a unique game that promoted racism in the country (Laliberte 2013). The individuals were, therefore, against the sport since it was being used as a medium for promoting ethical tensions. A proper understanding of these issues can guide communities to deal with this social challenge and encourage more people to embrace the sport.
Conclusion
Baseball is one of the sports characterized by significant challenges such as race misrepresentation and inequality. Researchers in sociology acknowledge that the reduced number of African Americans in baseball is a reflection of America’s past race relations. A comprehensive analysis of this social problem can present meaningful insights that can be used to transform the situation and address the emerging challenge.
References
Brown, Brandon, and Gregg Bennett. 2015. “Baseball is Whack! Exploring the Lack of African Baseball Consumption.” Journal of Sport and Social Issues 39(4):1-14.
Hogan, Lawrence D. 2014. The Forgotten History of African American Baseball. Santa Barbara, CA: Praeger.
Laliberte, David J. 2013. “Foul Lines: Teaching Race in Jim Crow America through Baseball History.” The History Teacher 46(3):329-353.
Simons, William M. 2013. “Out of Left Field: Jews and Black Baseball by Rebecca T. Alpert (Review).” American Jewish History 97(3):315-317.
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