FUNCTIONALISM~ relation to football
Hitler v/s Vanier Perspectives
Adolf Hitler
Hitler's view on humaity was that he believed in the purity of races. He thought that the body, spirit, and soul primarily consititute the complete man because they form a unified whole. He quotes "the stronger has to rule and he is not to amalgamate with the weaker one."
Applications of Hitler's Ideas in Football
When looking at what makes a specific team the way it is presented, it is the structure of how they function together. If one were to apply Hitler's ideas on the field, much descrimination would take place in terms of who emerges to be the greater player. A team would comprise of all individualistic players who would strive to be the better and superior one. Each of the significant 11 players would play independently which would destroy one of the components of this sport. As well, since Hitler believed in only one type of person to be superior, then the diversity of each specific player would not exist in football.
Jean Vanier
Vanier's perspective of humanity was that humans must accept and love all as every part of the society is important and has a significant role overall. He believed all humans are equal regardless of their race, gender, physical, and mental abilities. He often expressed that "to be human is to accpet who we are: this mixture of strength and weakness."
Applications of Vanier's Ideas in Football
In football, specific roles are given names that contribute to the functionalism of a team. There is a goalkeeper, and sets of players within each zone of defenders, midfielders, and forwards that have a specific role that is required for the team to function together overall. Roles are assigned by accepting one's weakness and overpowering it with individual strengths. With this perspective, a great team is constructed that depends on and trusts one another.