Progress & Prejudice: The Complex Relationship Between Sports and Society
Casey Cooper, Ph.D. is a Licensed Psycholoigst (PSY21348) and is the host of The Dr. Casey Show on AM 830,
Home of the Angels. She received her Masters degree in Marriage and 
Family Therapy and her Ph.D. in Counseling
Psychology from the University of Southern California. During her graduate work, Dr.
Casey designed an approved Sports Psychology specialization in collaboration with the
Kinesiology Department. To date, Dr. Casey is the only clinician to graduate from USC
with this unique combination of coursework and training. Dr. Casey offers
unique perspectives that reflect her clinical findings from training at USC, UCLA and her
Private Practice that put her directly on the pulse of sports parenting, athletic
performance, and coaching concerns. Additionally, her radio show keeps her connected
to sports current events, headlines and sports health care initiatives and research. The
transfer of this specialty to the corporate world has been quite natural. Dr. Casey is
pleased to expand her practice to issues of corporate diversity for presentations, training
and enhancement using sports as a platform for excellence and metaphor for change.
Progress & Prejudice: The Complex Relationship Between Sports and Society
Changes that bring us closer to equality can most often find their roots in a sports event or culture shift. In
the name of sports, differences in race, religion, sexual orientation and physical limitations have all been set aside throughout history to promote policy, attitude and structural changes that create a more diverse and accepting landscape within sporting events, organizations and culture at large. The triumphs of athletes who have overcome discrimination have the power to reverberate into all corners of the world. These accomplishments cause pause, reflection, questions and change. However, when societal pressures and tensions flare, it is also highlighted in the sporting arena. This complicated relationship of progress and prejudice is a thought provoking roadmap for all organizations.
This presentation will provide a historical perspective of sports culture and diversity. Dr. Casey will highlight critical moments and figures in sports that have pushed the boundaries of progress in the face of prejudicial roadblocks. Also, moments of sporting greatness that were stalled due to an unprepared society are presented. Finally, ideas to support your workplace to workforce maximize a potential for excellence while expanding as a diverse group are discussed.
Learning Points:
1. How is sport a metaphor for successful business practices?
2. What impact does performance have on diversity in the workplace?
3. How can sports as a conversation or event, support an atmosphere of excellence in a diverse workplace?
