Socioeconomic Inequalities and Athletic Opportunities

Abstract

Athletics are an important part of society and play a major role in everyday life, shaping personal habits and life trajectory. Engagement in sports significantly contributes to youth development, improving health and confidence, inspiring academic achievement, promoting attributes needed for personal success, and even leading to elite college admission and prestigious employment (Coakley 2011, Rivera 2011, Stevens 2007). But does the organization of sports provide equal access and equal opportunity for all to participate? American societal disparities, such as differences in socioeconomic status, produce vast differences in life opportunities and life chances, directly influencing participation and succes in sports. Responses to questionnaires within the Maryland Adolescent Development in Context Study support this idea, as high socioeconomic status is associated with a greater likelihood of athletic participation among children. Overall, because athletic involvement advantages those from high socioeconomic status, the structure of sports does not provide equal access and opportunity for all.