Professionalization in sport and social mobility: The case of soccer in turkey

The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between social upward mobility and professional soccer which is a social institution. In this context, if the social upward mobility is long and lasting or short and temporary for individuals who run professional soccer career is tried to be understood. Within this period, economic capital, habitus and social status which are obtained by means of social upward mobility how have an impact upon individuals is considered. In this research, qualitative research method was used to understand individuals' experiences deeply and multiple in the matter of social upward mobility. The main data gathering techniques were individual and focus group interviews. 8 individual interviews and one (with eight individuals) focus group interviews were conducted. Data was analysed by qualitative content analyse. As a result, three different themes were obtained: 1) social agents in socialization towards soccer: transition, 2) professionalization and social upward mobility: transformation, 3) during and after the professional career having problems and return to beginning: fall down. In conclusion, because of the fact that professional soccer career has systematic and structural issues it hasn't enabled lasting social upward mobility was revealed.