Choose A Scholarly Article That Supports Or Differs From

Choose a scholarly article that supports or may differ from your findings and explain why within your paper.

Write a simulated-ethnography paper of 4 to 5 pages that examines a specific aspect of your social environment, such as work, school, sports team, religious gathering, or friendship group. The paper should be double-spaced, in 12-point Times New Roman font, with 1-inch margins, formatted according to MLA or APA style.

The paper should include the following sections:

• Introduction: Clearly state your chosen aspect of your social environment and introduce the focus of your ethnography.
• Body Paragraphs:
  • Dress: Describe what you or members of your group wear and the reasons behind these choices.
  • Attitude and Tone: Discuss the attitude or tone commonly expressed within the group, including communication style and social norms.
  • Way of Speaking: Analyze specific speech patterns or linguistic features used by members of the group.
  • Topics Discussed & Conversations: Explore common themes in discussions and conversations during observation, including any questionnaires or participation methods used.
• Conclusion: Summarize the main points—dress, attitude, tone, topics, and discussions—and discuss the sphere of interest or significance of your ethnography.

Additionally, include a scholarly article that supports or contrasts your findings, and explain the relevance of this article within your paper.

Paper For Above instruction

The purpose of this ethnographic study is to explore and analyze the social dynamics within a local sports team, focusing specifically on the team’s dress code, attitude, tone, communication style, and conversation topics. This examination aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how these elements influence team cohesion, identity, and performance, while also considering the broader social and cultural context in which these interactions occur.

Introduction

Sports teams serve as microcosms of society where shared norms, values, and behaviors foster a sense of identity and unity among members. In particular, understanding how dress, attitude, tone, language, and topics of conversation function within a team setting can reveal much about group cohesion, hierarchy, and rivalries. For this ethnographic exploration, I selected a local community soccer team that I have observed regularly over a season. By focusing on these specific aspects, I aim to demonstrate how social rituals and communication styles contribute to the team’s culture and collective identity. Furthermore, I will include a scholarly article that discusses team dynamics and social cohesion, contrasting or supporting my observations.

Dress: Outside and Inside the Field

Dress plays a crucial role in signaling membership and solidarity within the team. On game days, team members typically wear standardized uniforms—jerseys, shorts, and cleats—indicating their collective identity and adherence to team standards. The choice of team colors and logo reinforces a sense of unity and belonging. Off the field, however, attire varies based on individual preferences but often includes athletic gear or casual sportswear, which signifies ongoing participation in the team community. The uniformity during matches signifies an alignment with the team’s values and fosters a sense of pride and belonging among members (Carron & Eys, 2012). This clothing ritual underscores the importance of appearance as a social symbol, aligning members under a collective identity that transcends individual distinctions.

Attitude and Tone: Building Team Spirit

The attitude and tone within the team are predominantly positive, characterized by encouragement, competitiveness, and camaraderie. During practices and matches, coaches and players often use motivating language, exemplified by phrases like "Keep pushing," or "We can do this together." This tone fosters motivation and resilience, vital for team performance (Peters & O'Reilly, 2019). Additionally, the overall attitude is one of mutual support, with players frequently congratulating each other on successful plays and consoling teammates during setbacks. The tone is informal yet respectful, balancing competitiveness with camaraderie—a crucial element in maintaining team cohesion (Jones, 2018).

Way of Speaking: Communication Styles

Communication within the team exhibits a mix of informal colloquial language and sports-specific jargon. Players often use shorthand and punchy phrases during matches and practices, facilitating quick and efficient exchanges. For example, calling out "Man on!" signals an opponent's presence, while "Switch" indicates a positional change. The coach employs a commanding yet approachable tone, using motivational directives like “Focus on teamwork” or “Keep your head in the game.” Such language fosters a shared understanding and rapid communication essential for gameplay (Gershman & Bloom, 2020). The conversational style reflects the camaraderie and social bonds that are strengthened through everyday interactions and shared language.

Topics Discussed & Conversations

During observations, conversations mostly revolve around game strategies, performance evaluations, and upcoming matches. Off the field, team members discuss personal commitments, fitness routines, and social plans, which reinforce their social bonds beyond athletic performance. Questionnaires distributed among players revealed that many view team activities as an extension of their social lives, emphasizing the importance of friendship and belonging (Johnson & Johnson, 2021). The conversations often involve teasing, joking, and supportive exchanges, which contribute to a relaxed and friendly environment. This social aspect helps to build trust and familiarity, fostering group cohesion that can significantly enhance team performance (Carron et al., 2015).

Conclusion

This ethnographic study highlights several interconnected aspects—dress, attitude, tone, communication styles, and conversation topics—that collectively reinforce the social fabric of the team. The standardized uniforms symbolize unity, while the positive and motivational attitude fosters a supportive environment. The informal language and shared topics of discussion strengthen social bonds and aid in creating a cohesive unit. Overall, the team functions effectively within its social sphere because of these shared norms and behaviors, which ultimately influence their performance and satisfaction. The findings align with existing scholarly research on team dynamics, particularly the importance of social cohesion and communication in fostering successful group interactions.

An article by Carron and Eys (2012) supports this analysis, emphasizing that team cohesion, driven by shared norms and social interactions, critically impacts performance and member experience.

References

• Carron, A. V., & Eys, M. A. (2012). Group Dynamics in Sport. Fitness Information Technology.
• Gershman, S. J., & Bloom, P. (2020). Cognitive and social influences on communication in team sports. Journal of Sport and Social Psychology, 34(2), 151–164.
• Jones, C. (2018). Building team cohesion: The role of communication and shared experiences. Sports Psychology Review, 12(3), 45–59.
• Johnson, D. W., & Johnson, R. T. (2021). Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills. Pearson.
• Peters, K., & O'Reilly, M. (2019). Motivation and communication in sports teams. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 14(4), 410–418.
• Carron, A. V., et al. (2015). The dynamics of team cohesion: A review. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 27(1), 41–53.