The difference of sports practices according to social layers and the role of sports in vertical mobility

Social stratification is the grouping of people in society according to factors such as income level, education level, occupation and social status. Different social classes have different cultural and economic capital, and this affects their lifestyle. In other words, there are differences in the lifestyles of individuals from different social classes, from cultural and economic capital accumulation to leisure activities. This study sheds light on the reflection of the cultural and economic capital of individuals from different social classes, who are athletes and sports spectators, on their lifestyles and consumption habits. Social stratification, class differences, economic, cultural, symbolic, social capital, lifestyle and reflections of consumer culture on sports was examined and analyzed by interviewing licensed athletes. As a result of this research; It has been concluded that sports preferences, lifestyle and consumption habits are determined by those who hold economic capital, and that the lifestyle of successful athletes can change radically as a result of vertical mobility. Before sports, habitus affects the type of sport chosen to be done. If there are individuals who are already interested in sports in their habitus, the person's tendency towards sports has increased. At the same time, the sport to which individuals in their habitus direct the person has affected the type of branch chosen. Individuals' friends, family and relatives have directed them to sports, or the person has spontaneously turned to sports because s/he sees individuals around him/her who are interested in sports. As a result of the analysis, it was found that the factors that most affect individuals' sports preferences are their habitus and social capital.