SMGT 501
Page 5 of 8
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.
Requirements: 2 PAGES

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