From Imperial To Global Game: Sport In The Global Society Contemporary

In today's global society, sport has evolved from being a mere form of entertainment to becoming an influential and integral part of our daily lives. From its origins as an imperial pastime to its transformation into a global phenomenon, sport has played a significant role in shaping cultures, economies, and social dynamics across the world.

The Imperial Roots

Sport, in its earliest forms, was mostly associated with imperial powers. The British Empire, in particular, played a major role in spreading organized sports and popularizing specific games across its colonies. Cricket, for example, was introduced to British colonies in the 18th century and became a symbol of imperial power and cultural assimilation. The game served as a way for the English elite to exert control over the local population and showcase their superior athleticism and values.

Similarly, other sports like rugby, football (soccer),and even horse racing were disseminated by imperial powers to assert dominance and influence. These sports became tools of cultural exchange, allowing the colonizers to both demonstrate their superiority and absorb aspects of local cultures. Over time, as colonies gained independence and imperialism waned, the power dynamics within sport started to shift.

The Changing Face of Cricket: From Imperial to Global Game (Sport in the Global Society – Contemporary Perspectives)

by Sherrilyn Kenyon(1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1654 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	302 pages
Hardcover	:	260 pages
Item Weight	:	9.2 ounces
Dimensions	:	11.77 x 0.2 x 8.35 inches

FREE

The Rise of Nationalism

With the decline of imperial dominance, national identities started emerging strongly and influencing the world of sports. Born out of a desire for self-determination and pride, nations began fielding their own teams, and international competitions like the Olympic Games gained significance. The passion for representing one's country on the global stage became a powerful motivating force for athletes and an avenue for national unity and glory.

In this era, sport became an arena where geopolitical tensions played out. Rivalries between nations on the football pitch or the athletics track mirrored political rivalries in the real world. Victories and defeats had the power to evoke nationalistic fervor or dampen national spirits, making sport a potent tool for governments to showcase their strength and rally public support.

The Globalization of Sport

As communication technology advanced and the world became increasingly interconnected, sport began transcending national boundaries and embracing a more global outlook. International matches and tournaments started attracting a wider audience, with fans from different countries coming together to celebrate the beauty of sport. The global reach of television networks also played a significant role in popularizing various sports and turning athletes into global celebrities.

Furthermore, sports like basketball, golf, and tennis, with their individualistic and universal appeal, gained popularity worldwide. The rise of multinational competitions such as the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics further cemented the global nature of these sports. Today, athletes from diverse backgrounds compete at the highest level, showcasing excellence and breaking down cultural barriers in the process.

Sport and Social Change

In the contemporary global society, sport has become a catalyst for social change and a platform to raise awareness about various issues. Athletes have utilized their influential positions to champion causes like gender equality, racial justice, and environmental sustainability. The symbolic power of sporting events has the ability to unite people across borders and spark conversations that can bring about meaningful transformations.

Furthermore, sport has become a multi-billion dollar industry, contributing significantly to national economies and providing employment opportunities for millions around the world. Major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games have become magnets for tourism, boosting local economies and infrastructure development.

Looking Ahead

As we navigate the complexities of the global society, the role of sport is only set to grow. It has the potential to foster unity, promote dialogue, and spur positive change. With emerging technologies and evolving societal values, we are likely to witness even greater integration of sport into the fabric of our global society.

From its humble beginnings as an imperial pastime to its current status as a universal language that crosses borders and cultures, sport is a testament to the enduring power of human achievement and the ability to connect people on a global scale.

The Changing Face of Cricket: From Imperial to Global Game (Sport in the Global Society – Contemporary Perspectives)

by Sherrilyn Kenyon(1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1654 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	302 pages
Hardcover	:	260 pages
Item Weight	:	9.2 ounces
Dimensions	:	11.77 x 0.2 x 8.35 inches

FREE

For cricket enthusiasts there is nothing to match the meaningful contests and excitement generated by the game’s subtle shifts in play. Conversely, huge swathes of the world’s population find cricket the most obscure and bafflingly impenetrable of sports. The Changing Face of Cricket attempts to account for this paradox.

The Changing Face of Cricket provides an overview of the various ways in which social scientists have analyzed the game’s cultural impact. The book’s international analysis encompasses Australia, the Caribbean, England, India, Ireland, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. Its interdisciplinary approach allies anthropology, history, literary criticism, political studies and sociology with contributions from cricket administrators and journalists. The collection addresses historical and contemporary issues such as gender equality, global sports development, the impact of cricket mega-events, and the growing influence of commercial and television interests culminating in the Twenty20 revolution.

Whether one loves or hates the game, understands what turns square legs into fine legs, or how mid-offs become silly, The Changing Face of Cricket will enlighten the reader on the game’s cultural contours and social impact and prove to be the essential reader in cricket studies.

This book was published as a special issue of Sport in Society.