Lessons from sports: children's socialization to values through family interaction during sports activities

In the United States, children are encouraged to enroll in sports activities. Studies show that these activities are positively associated with reduced delinquent behavior and increased academic and social performance. Research using parents' reports in interviews and surveys shows that parents view extracurricular sports activities as an arena for socializing their children to important values and skills that go beyond the benefits of participation in athletic activities. Through analysis of parent-child interaction using video data of naturalistic family interaction during formal participation in organized sports (e.g. Little League), informal participation (e.g. backyard pick-up games), and passive participation in sports (e.g. watching televised athletic events), this article reveals that parents play an active role in this socialization process. This article underscores the important function that sports have in family daily life as a socializing tool for culturally cherished skills and values.