Race and sport stacking

1
Race and sport - stacking

• Stacking is the over or under representation of a
  certain racial group in certain positions or
  sport
• Eg few black quarterbacks in American sport
• In 50s/60s in b/b white players were over
  represented at guard centre. This has largely
  disappeared but white flight has had an effect

• In baseball blacks tend to occupy outfield
  positions
• This is traditionally due to the dominant group
  ie WASP occupying the more influential, decision
  making positions.
• Blacks occupy positions where speed strength
  are needed

2
Gruskys theory of centrality

• Stacking is closely linked to Gruskys centrality
  theory
• As all the best, decision making positions are
  held by WASP majority a vicious circle is created
• Certain positions are linked to promotional
  prospects on grounds that they are intelligent
  positions and therefore have the capacity for
  management

• Hence, most American football, baseball and b/b
  have largely white coaches and managers
• This is the self fulfilling prophecy as these
  beliefs are perpetuated leading to few black
  coaches, managers or administrators
• This is called the glass ceiling which also
  applies to women

3
Stereotypes and myths

• Stacking has led to various stereotyping and
  myths
• Eg Black men cant swim or white men cant run
  etc
• White flight in basketball and sprinting is
  upshot of this

• Also blacks who fulfil American dream in both
  sport entertainment as role models may
  reinforce myth that only in these two areas can
  there be social mobility for them and advancement