Socio-cultural influences and participation — AQA GCSE Physical Education revision

Patterns of participation

• Participation varies by gender: fewer women/girls participate historically, though this is changing with more media coverage and role models.
• Participation varies by age: young people and older adults often have lower participation due to school/work commitments or health/mobility issues.
• Socio-economic group affects participation: cost of equipment, membership and travel can be barriers for lower-income groups.
• Ethnicity can affect participation due to cultural traditions, religious dress codes, or lack of targeted role models and provision.
• Disability can limit participation due to lack of accessible facilities, specialist equipment or trained coaches, though adapted/parasports increase opportunities.

Factors affecting and improving participation

• Common barriers include lack of time, family/childcare commitments, cost, poor access to facilities and lack of role models.
• Media coverage can raise the profile of a sport or group, encouraging participation, but under-representation of some groups reduces role models.
• Strategies to improve participation include: reduced-cost sessions, women-only or disability-friendly sessions, improved transport/access, targeted marketing and using high-profile role models.
• National campaigns and school/community programmes aim to widen access and remove specific barriers for under-represented groups.

Key terms

Participation

Taking part in physical activity or sport.

Socio-economic group

A classification based on income, education and occupation affecting access to sport.

Role model

A person whose behaviour or achievements inspire others to participate.

Sportsmanship

Fair and honest behaviour that follows the spirit as well as the rules of a sport.

Gamesmanship

Bending the rules to gain an advantage without technically breaking them.

Deviance

Behaviour that breaks the rules or norms of sport, such as cheating.

Common exam traps

• Sportsmanship is playing fairly within the spirit of the rules; gamesmanship pushes the rules without technically breaking them — don't confuse the two.
• Deviance is not always illegal but always breaks the accepted rules/norms of fair competition.
• A single factor rarely explains low participation for a group — usually several barriers combine (cost, time, access, role models).

Practice questions with answers

1. 1. Which of these is a common barrier to participation in sport?

   • • Cost
   • • Enjoyment
   • • Fitness
   • • Skill level only

   Answer: Cost

   Cost of equipment, membership or travel can prevent people taking part.

2. 2. Name one group whose participation is often affected by socio-economic factors.

   Answer: Lower-income groups / people from deprived areas

   Cost and access to facilities can be barriers for these groups.

3. 3. Which is an example of gamesmanship?

   • • Time-wasting near the end of a match
   • • Taking a banned substance
   • • Following the referee's decision calmly
   • • Shaking hands after a match

   Answer: Time-wasting near the end of a match

   This bends the rules without technically breaking them.

4. 4. Which of these is deviant behaviour in sport?

   • • Using performance-enhancing drugs
   • • Shaking hands before a match
   • • Wearing the correct kit
   • • Applauding an opponent

   Answer: Using performance-enhancing drugs

   This breaks the rules and norms of fair competition.

5. 5. What is sportsmanship?

   Answer: Fair and honest behaviour that follows the rules and spirit of the game

   It's about respecting opponents, officials and the rules.

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