Football: questions and refl ections on this “occupation”

Abstract

Taking football as the stage for different discussions, we have tried to assess it as an occupation. Starting from the theories of occupations that relate both to an artisan origin and to a capitalist social sphere, we have attempted to map football and its relation to Pensar a Prática 10/1: 51-67, jan./jun. 2007 65 players and coaches by means of linking their professionalization to the professional field of Physical Education. This research work is of the exploratory type, and questionnaires and interpretative analysis were used as instruments. The participants believe it is necessary to have a specific theoretical education that does not dismiss practice, which creates an assimetry between speech and action. Results show that occupation is a more evident concept among Physical Education professionals since they have a specific educational basis which is not founded merely in practice. KEYWORDS: profession – football – practice - professionalization