SMGT 501 EFFECT

SMGT 501

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Analysis Paper: The Effects of Social Class and Power on Sport Assignment

Americans are divided according to economic class, with each class possessing different material

goods, income levels, inheritances, educations, work descriptions, and influence over others.

Regardless of how we define or divide these classes, each experiences real differences in

opportunity. Social class is defined as a category of people who share similar positions in society

based on the aforementioned divisions.

A part of the American dream has always been the ability to enhance ones social or economic

status in life through hard work and discipline. Sports provide an opportunity to improve social

and economic status through success on the playing field. A typical example to illustrate social

mobility through sport is that of football or basketball players who come from low-income

families, make their way to the professional level, and sign million-dollar contracts leading them

to join the upper class of society. Interestingly, within a few years of retirement 80% of former

NFL players and 60% of former NBA players are broke (Coakley, 2016).

With this in mind, and based on your sports interests and career goals, research this phenomenon

and discuss how this can happen to high profile athletes. What can athletes do during their

playing careers to prevent this occurrence? What role do players families, agents, entourages

and posses, or others play in millionaire athletes going broke? Use specific examples as

needed.

Your Analysis Paper: The Effects of Social Class and Power on Sport Assignment

must be completed based on the following criteria:

Put a title on the top line of the first page. No other identifying information is needed. You must

also include the reference information for each source in correct current APA format on a

separate page.