The Basketball Subculture

Introduction In this analysis I will cover the different aspects of sport subculture and what it means to be a recognizable member within a group. I will give examples of what it means to be a part of such subcultures. For example, shared ways of dressing, group status and credibility, as well as some of the groups norms and rituals. The specific group I will discuss will be my basketball team and the role I play within it. Because my team is at highly competitive level, our norms may be unlike to other teams’ especially those of less competitive teams. Each and every team has their own culture and practices, and it is through these that they identify themselves as being different from other teams along with giving them an identity and a group to belong.
Discussion
The team I play for is the Douglas College men’s basketball team and it would be classified as a subculture within the basketball culture since it is a recognizable team within the sport. The traits by which my team is identified by are: our name, mascot, team colors, jerseys, level and league in which we play. In a sense there is also an athlete culture at Douglas College. It is possible to identify athletes at the school given evident identifiable characteristics. Examples of this could include: the Douglas College athletic gear, general athletic wear, as well as the fact that athletes tend to hang out in bigger groups than other students.
Much like the windsurfers in Wheaton’s article “Just Do It”, people within the basketball subculture can be easily identified by their style of dress. Brands are an important aspect in basketball subculture and to be recognized as a respected member of the sport subculture the right equipment is critical. This relates closely to the basketball subculture especially on my team because the newest trends in shoes and equipment play a big role on our team. Many players will have multiple pairs of shoes that they’ll wear within a single season, and with new shoes

References: Wheaton, B. (2000). "Just Do It": Consumption, Commitment, and Identity in the Windsurfing Subculture. Sociology Of Sport Journal, 17(3), 254-274.