The Significance of Soccer in Self-Identity and Personal Development
The photo depicts a young girl taking part in soccer twice a week because of her passion for the sport. Just like many other leisure activities, soccer plays a significant role in self-identity and shaping the personality of an individual. The significance of soccer to this young girl is hinged on the fact that the development processes of exploring one's identity and characters often occurs in the context of leisure activities.
Leisure Activity as a Symbol of Self
First, leisure activity, in this case, soccer, is a symbol of self. There are multiple mechanisms by which individuals assert the nature of their identities. One of these ways is a selection of and involvement in leisure activities. By participating in soccer, the young girl can create situations that offer her the knowledge that she is who she believes to be. Besides, soccer provides a platform that allows other people to understand the girl more accurately. Moreover, soccer may be a way of escaping or expanding certain habits that the girl possesses (Stenseng, Rise, & Kraft, 2012). For example, excessive aggression or violence may be managed by soccer as continued participation in the sport demands discipline and respect.
Exploring Diversity and Socio-Cultural-Political Issues
As a social sport, soccer exposes an individual to the world of diversity and differences, and socio-cultural-political issues. Inter-group conflicts and protraction of racial stereotypes within soccer is a common vice that has recently gained attention (Cunningham, 2012). By taking part in soccer, the girl is not only able to discover her stance on matters of ethnicity, race, and diversity but also manage detrimental attributes that may jeopardize her place in the leisure activity that she adores.
Breaking Gender Stereotypes
Lastly, participating in soccer demystifies the belief that soccer is a masculine sport (Archer & McDonald, 2006). For a long time, the world has consistently portrayed women as weak and unable to take part in some activities, including sports such as soccer. Although the gap is closing, sports with the greatest fandom are played by men, hence illustrating the existence of a gap. Consequently, by individually taking part in the sport, the girl can believe in her abilities and not be limited by gender.
References
Archer, J., " McDonald, M. (2006). Gender roles and sports in adolescent girls. Leisure Studies, 225-240.
Cunningham, G. (2012). Sport, Race, and Ethnicity: Narratives of Difference and Diversity. Managing Leisure, 363-364.
Stenseng, F., Rise, J., " Kraft, P. (2012). Activity Engagement as Escape from Self: The Role of Self-Suppression and Self-Expansion. Leisure Activities, 19-38.
