Why do we put so much value, money into certain professions such as athletes but not teachers,social workers?

Question

The reason I ask this question is not because it bothers me I love sports just as much as the next person but, I am just interested in why we pay someone millions to play soccer, football when people who truly affect people's lives do not get paid as much.

Answer 1

Supply and Demand. Many people demand entertainment from a few athletes. and Many people demand services from Many social workers.

I really wonder why that bothers you. Do you resent the fact that they make so much? Is it wrong that they make so much? Teachers and social workers choose their jobs because of other factors other then money. If they don't like the money they are making and it bothers them that much, they should get a different job, increase their skill level, write a book etc. to become more valuable.

Answer 2

It comes down to market value. Can the job being done by the person being paid be done by somebody else just as well and for less money?

There was only one Michael Jordan in the NBA. His talents were in great demand, so his market value went up. Teachers and social workers are a dime a dozen. If a teacher quits or demands more pay, it's very easy to find a similar replacement.

Teachers get offended when the reality hits that they are expendable in the job world, but that doesn't change the fact that people will shell out $100 or more to see a sports idol perform. You can go to any town in America to hear a teacher talk.

Answer 3

People here on Earth are paid based on the demand for what they offer and the supply of people who can satisfy that need. They are not paid based on your personal touchy-feely opinion about their intrinsic worth.

People in a wealthy society spend a lot of money on entertainment, because they can afford to. That money represents demand for entertainment. In the case of sports, only a few people are talented enough to provide the level of entertainment desired, so the supply of people remains small no matter how large the demand. The result is a lot of money is funneled to relative few people, which means very high incomes.

Now, the US spends FAR MORE MONEY ON EDUCATION than on professional sports. (That should make you happy). So there is massive demand. BUT, the supply of adequate workers is also huge -- millions of people are willing and able to be school teachers, for example, whereas there are only about 1,500 NFL football players at any time. The result is that incomes are lower for a school teacher than for an NFL quarterback.

Answer 4

Its supply and demand. People demand to see athletes perform the way they do when play. There is not a lot of competition between athletes in the larger picture because it takes talents and lots of practice to become a star athlete. If you become a start teacher, you usually work for a college or university because they are the ones demanding star professors. If you are professor and you move up again, like moving form the minor league to the major league, your probably then going to work for a corporation doing consulting work. In the end teacher who do well are paid more, their title just changes and the people complaining usually are the ones that aren't so good. USUALLY

Answer 5

I don't usually answer this type of a Q, because it is too volatile and too open to just plain visciousness. But God put it on my heart to answer here. And I'm in agreement. But something occurred to me: Actually, many of the 'laws' have nothing to do with Christianity. They were set down long before Jesus walked. Not killing Not lying Not stealing Not plotting The sacredness and honoring of family (father, mother, husband, wife) Etc. And the word God, translates to all languages and belief systems of faith, it doesn't signify a 'Christian' attitude (oh I know there are those who love to argue and debate - but, please, get the larger picture here). Once again, people like to focus rage & fear and take it out on this group or that group. That's a learned societal behavior we pass on generation to generation (and sports arenas are great places to begin to foment this type of crowd separation) Seems to me, that it appears that if you want something done politically, get the most money together you can with the most connected people you can and there you have it - a law. Laws usually come AFTER not before - laws are also used to satisfy agendas. So BLAMING anyone for anything is silly. I've got to take responsibility for my thoughts, my motives, my intentions, my actions and the impact my actions, thoughts, motives and intentions have on the group of humanity as a whole. If we all did this with a little more self-discipline, there would be a huge shift, with little to no effort, and Qs like these wouldn't be necessary. Yes necessary - most just like to not think deeply, but spout off the first rabble rousing thing that comes to mind and really think that is the truth at the core of their being. This is strictly my opinion. Thumbs down have no impact on me. Reporting this has no impact on me. So have at it, and while you're at it, have a wonderful God-filled day (what you think about it or do with it is not my concern - I'm just letting you have it) Peace be to us all And I guess Charles Dickens was just a horrible writer when he had Tiny Tim "God Bless Us All"..... Thanks for the Q I thought I'd never answer :)

Answer 6

Despite the Economy ... despite the Politics ... we've all evolved from a standard "Social Class".

In all cultures (from Asia ---> Europe ---> Africa ---> & America's (N & S)) have a standard peaking order. First the Royalty /Monarchs/ Presidents / High Priests / Supreme Power / Prime Ministers / Shaw men / CEO’s/ Tribal Leaders / Chiefs ect-ect-ect ... these elite are known by 95% of existing population.

They then hire the military; our second class citizens. These bunches of muscle men are the second in all social classes worldwide. In times where war isn’t prevailing … military men still need to flex their muscles and use their skills. In Roman times, these were funneled into being “Gladiators” and in today’s societies, we make them sports stars (Football, Soccer, Basketball, Hockey, ect- ect- ect). Warriors historically require expensive past times to keep them from getting into more wars. These include being active, pursuing women, and dominating the teachers and farmers.

Simply, bully mentality developed in kindergarden and maintained throughout life.

Answer 7

I hear ya... the money spent on sports and celebrities is a huge joke...

I put MY money into ME... I have seen some pretty bad teachers and social workers as well so I will stick with ME... I never seem to let ME down.

Answer 8

suply and demand, everyone wants to see an athlete but how many people want to see a social worker

Answer 9

i really wish that i had an answer for that because i dont think that it makes any sense. athletes dont do anything for anybody. teachers and social workers do.

Answer 10

athletes entertain us
--take us from our "problems"

athletes inspire us
--w/practice, even WE could do that

athletes charm us
--we're attracted to their enthusiasm & confidence

athletes need us
--at least, the professional (paid) ones do