Socio-cultural influences — AQA GCSE Physical Education
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Socio-cultural influences explained
This row is course guidance rather than an assessed answer target.
Read the full explanation
It tells you that the socio-cultural influences section runs in two directions. First, socio-cultural factors shape participation in physical activity and sport: consider how factors such as gender, age, ethnicity, religion, family, peers, school, socio-economic status and media coverage can encourage or limit involvement. Second, sport itself affects society: consider how sport can influence health, social cohesion, the economy, employment and cultural values. As you read, build a two-column table headed 'factors affecting participation' and 'impact of sport on society', and place each example you meet in the correct column. Check that every example you record is tied to a named factor or a named social effect, so your notes stay precise.
Your focus
- Identify socio-cultural factors that affect participation in physical activity and sport
- Describe ways in which sport can impact on society
- Organise examples under the correct direction of influence
Socio-cultural influences exam tips
Examiner Tips
- 💡Keep a two-column table so each example is filed under the correct direction of influence
- 💡Name the specific factor or social effect beside every example you note
- 💡Revisit your notes and check that both directions of the statement are covered before moving on
Common Mistakes
- Treats the guidance as a single list of factors; separate the two directions, factors affecting participation and sport's impact on society
- Records examples without naming the factor or social effect involved; attach each example to a specific factor or effect
- Assumes the section only concerns elite sport; include participation in physical activity as well as sport