6 Week Two - Sport and Politics
6.1 Introduction
The intersection of sport and politics is a complex and contested arena.
Some people argue that sport should exist in a vacuum, clearly separated from political realities.
Others contend that sport, intentionally or not, is intrinsically linked to the political sphere and wider issues in society,.
This week, we’ll navigate these conflicting perspectives and examine the role of sport as a transformative agent, capable of triggering political and social change.
Takeaway
Sport reflects, and can influence, local and global politics.
Key Questions
By the end of this week’s lecture, you should be able to answer the following questions:
- How can international sporting events, like the Olympics or the FIFA World Cup, influence a country’s national identity and global perception?
- How have athletes used international sporting events as platforms for political protest?
- What’s the role of sporting figures in advancing social movements. How can athletes leverage their influence to promote social change?
- How can the inclusion of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations in sports contribute to broader societal acceptance and equality?
Themes
This week’s lecture is organised around four themes:
- Sport and National Identity
- International Diplomacy and Protest
- Sport, Social Movements, and Social Change
- Gender, Sexuality, and Sport
Concepts
Within these four themes, we’ll encounter the following concepts:
Theories
We’ll also learn about the following theories:
6.2 Discussion Questions
In small groups, select one of the following questions and use it as a starting point for a discussion of today’s material. There are some suggestions for things you might talk about.
Question 1
How has sport been used as a platform to challenge societal norms and advocate for social justice?
For example, you might consider:
In what ways does the visibility and international nature of sport make it an effective platform for social and political advocacy?
What are the potential risks and benefits for athletes who choose to use their platform to advocate for social change?
Can you think of any recent examples where an athlete or a team has used their platform to advocate for social justice or equality? What impact did their actions have?
Question 2
How can sport serve as a conduit for political dialogue and diplomacy?
For example, you might consider:
Why might nations choose sport as a means to initiate or improve diplomatic relations?
Can you provide other examples where sporting events have been instrumental in fostering diplomacy or easing geopolitical tensions?
What are some potential challenges or limitations of using sport as a tool for diplomacy?
6.3 Reading
All reading for the module can be accessed via the module reading list on myplace.
Preparatory Reading
You should read the following paper before this week’s lecture:
- Kaufman, P., & Wolff, E. A. (2010). Playing and Protesting: Sport as a Vehicle for Social Change. Journal of Sport and Social Issues, 34(2), 154-175.
Further Reading
You should read the following paper after this week’s lecture:
- Hassan, D. (2018). Sport and Politics in a Complex Age. Sport in Society, 21(5), 735-744.
6.4 Lecture Outline
Today’s lecture is structured as follows:
Topic 1: From Flag to Field
a. Revival
The 1948 ‘austerity’ Olympics
Symbolised hope and resilience post-World War II.
United Nations in recovery and development amid austerity.
The significance of the 1948 Olympics
Emblematic of hope, peace, and unity; a ‘phoenix’ rising from ashes.
Displayed global spirit and potential for a brighter future.
‘Imagined communities’ and sport
Fostered national identities (Benedict Anderson).
Strengthened global unity, overcoming adversity.
Legacy - beyond athleticism
Testament to human spirit and global recovery.
Demonstrated Olympics’ role in nation-building and uniting communities.
b. Identity & connection
Our emotional connections with sport
- ‘Social Identity Theory’; teams tied to our personal and national identity.
Sport as an expression of national identity
Supporting teams reinforces national identity.
Emotional experiences during matches reflect belonging and loyalty.
‘Identity attachment’
Collective identity expands personal self-concepts to larger groups.
Sporting events create shared experiences & unify fans.
Symbols and rituals within sport
Rituals, symbols, and anthems foster patriotism and identity.
Celebrate national culture, history, and aspirations.
c. Unity
Sport fostering nationalism
Sport acts as a platform for cultural identity, enhancing nationalism.
National anthems and rituals examples of the ‘Ritualisation of Nationalism’.
‘Collective consciousness’ and sport
Sporting events bolster shared identity and belonging (Durkheim).
Rituals and symbols unify diverse groups.
d. Nationalism
The dark side of nationalism
Sport rivalries can lead to conflicts, mirroring deeper tensions.
E.g., Indo-Pakistan cricket matches echo broader political strife.
‘Critical Theory’
Critical Theory scrutinises hidden societal impacts in sport nationalism.
Nationalism can lead to exclusion and stereotype reinforcement.
A double-edged sword?
- Nationalism in sport can unify but also intensify tensions and biases.
Topic Two: International Diplomacy
a. ‘Ping-Pong’ diplomacy
US-China relations
1971 table tennis marked a shift in US-China relations.
Initiated changes in geopolitical and ideological landscapes.
1971 World Table Tennis Championships
US and Chinese players’ interactions sparked diplomatic engagements.
Sport as a non-threatening channel for dialogue, easing tensions.
Sport as ‘soft power’
Sport influences global preferences in an appealing way (Joseph Nye).
Emphasises attraction over coercion.
Sports diplomacy in modern global politics
Influences contemporary international relations and Olympic dynamics.
Demonstrates sport’s role in global unity and diplomatic engagement.
b. Protest
The political undertones of the Olympics
1980 Moscow Olympics highlighted protests against Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
The boycott served as silent but potent political statement.
The role of Olympic boycotts in diplomacy
Boycotts express political dissent non-violently.
Serve as symbolic communication of political stances.
‘Symbolic Interactionism’
Example: Olympic boycotts convey messages without words.
Highlights non-verbal communication power in sport.
c. Soft power
Sportsmanship in international diplomacy
International events showcase national cultures and values.
Respectful conduct by athletes represents their countries’ values globally.
Soft Power through sportsmanship
Sportsmanship as soft power, influencing through appeal.
Enhances global perceptions and diplomatic ties through ‘fair play’.
Cultural diplomacy on the sports field
Athletes as ambassadors, enhancing relations through sportsmanship.
Promotes mutual respect and can improve diplomatic discussions.
Sportsmanship the “Sugar” in Diplomacy
Sport events foster diplomatic relations and international peace.
Acts like handshakes symbolise and facilitate diplomatic goodwill.
d. Ethical dimensions & cultural implications
High stakes of cultural representation
Sport as a diplomacy tool raises ethical questions of representation.
Can foster mutual understanding or perpetuate stereotypes.
“Thick Description” - layered significance of sport
Clifford Geertz’s “thick description” for understanding sport’s diplomatic role.
Actions in sport hold significant symbolic meanings in diplomacy.
Need for thoughtful engagement
Balancing ethics and representation is vital in sport diplomacy.
Nations’ engagement in sport sends strong messages about values, stressing integrity and inclusivity.