Participation trophy
A participation trophy is a trophy given to children (usually) who participate in a sporting event but do not finish in first, second or third place, and so would not normally be eligible for a trophy. It is frequently associated with millennials, those of Generation Y.[1][2]
The use of participation trophies has caused some controversy:
- Critics argue that they promote narcissism and entitlement among children to whom they are given, and are based on incorrect assumptions regarding supposed psychological benefits of self-esteem. Critics also note that some children also do not value them as much as they do "normal" trophies that are given to winners.[3]
- Defenders of participation trophies argue that they teach children that trying their best is good enough, even if they do not win.[4][5]
One of the earliest known mentions of the term participation trophy occurred in a newspaper in Massillon, Ohio, United States, called the Evening Independent, on 8 February 1922.[6]
See also[]
- Self esteem
- Competition
- Sport
- Game
References[]
- ^ Schlitzkus, Lisa L.; Schenarts, Kimberly D.; Schenarts, Paul J. (2010). "Is Your Residency Program Ready for Generation Y?". Journal of Surgical Education. 67 (2): 108–111. doi:10.1016/j.jsurg.2010.03.004. PMID 20656608.
- ^ "The Participation Trophy Generation is a Lie and I Can Prove it". Inc.com. 2017-01-16. Retrieved 2018-02-20.
- ^ Johnson, Heather Beth (2010-03-23). Children and Youth Speak for Themselves. Emerald Group Publishing. p. 326. ISBN 9781849507356.
- ^ Wallace, Kelly (2015-08-17). "Debate: Does sports participation deserve a trophy?". CNN. Retrieved 2018-02-20.
- ^ "The NPR Ed Mailbag: The Participation Trophy". NPR. 2014-08-14. Retrieved 2018-02-20.
- ^ "participation trophy". Newspaper Archive. 2014-08-14. Retrieved 2021-04-28.
Categories:
- Award stubs
- Children's sport
- Trophies