Sport in Society: Issues & Controversies Chapter 3 A Look at the Past: Does It Help Us Understand Sports Today?

History Lessons: Origins of Distorted Views Who tells the stories about sports in the past? Whose perspectives are used to frame the stories? How is power related to recorded history? Why are histories usually incomplete?

General Historical Issues Evidence suggests that physical activities and games have existed in nearly all cultures There are decreasing contrasts between the games that different people play today Decreasing contrasts are due to cultural diffusion and the power and influence of sponsoring corporations

Historical & Cultural Variations Variations exist because  Sports are cultural practices that can serve a variety of social purposes  People create sports within the constraints of the social worlds in which they live

Ancient Greece Sports were Grounded in mythology Linked with religious beliefs Characterized by Gender exclusion Frequent violence Absence of administrative structures Absence of measurements & record keeping

Roman Contests and Games Emphasized spectacle, combat, and the power of political leaders Characterized by Diversions for the masses Exclusion of women as athletes Absence of quantification and record keeping

Medieval Europe Folk games played by peasants Tournaments played by elite for purposes of military readiness Gender restrictions grounded in religious dogma and beliefs Games lacked specialization and organization

Renaissance, Reformation, & Enlightenment Increasing control over peasants Lives of many were restricted by labor Calvinist and Puritan beliefs did not promote any forms of leisure Sports constituted diversions for people

Industrial Revolution: Early Years Organized, competitive sports emerged, especially among elite Time and space for games were limited in urban areas Slavery among Africans, and exploitation of other workers limited widespread involvement in sports

Industrial Revolution: Later Years Growing emphasis on rationality and organization in society & sports Most sports were segregated by social class Women’s participation in sports was very limited

Elite, Competitive Sports in the US: Sports often were used by wealthy to reinforce status distinctions The organization of sports favored the interests of those with power and wealth Increased participation opportunities for workers, especially men

Elite, Competitive Sports in the US: (cont) Sport participation comes to be linked with character development Organized sports were tied close to ideas about masculinity and femininity race and ethnicity age and disability

1920 to Today: Struggles Continue Around Entertainment, professionalization, and commercialism Masculinity and violence Nationalism and chauvinism Gender inequities and homophobia Racism and racial discrimination Class dynamics

Immigration New England Colonies Settled by Puritans Little Tolerance Toward Sport and Recreation Puritan Ethic: work for practical ends Harvard founded in 1636: sports established as early as 1820’s

Immigration (cont) Middle Colonies Settled by Pennsylvania Dutch Tolerant toward sport and games A number of games were played in middle colonies: rounders, skittles, lawn bowling

Immigration (cont.) Southern Colonies Business development Enjoyment toward gambling: cock fighting, horse racing, boxing

Native Population Various sportive pursuits by North American Indians: Lacrosse

Urbanization Population Centers Provided Support for the development of Organized Sport New York Knickerbocker Baseball Club in 1842 Three years later Alexander Joy Cartwright played a leading role in organizing baseball

Urbanization (cont.) In the 1850s baseball expanded rapidly to include all classes of men In 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings are formed as the first professional baseball team In 1876 the National League was formed

Technological Developments Industrialization Mass Media Transportation