The Role Of Sports In Sports

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2.6 Nationalisation
Sports have different significance, implication, and symbolic meaning to different classes, and categories of gender, people, societies, communities, religion, countries, and fans. (Carter 2002). Bairner (2001) recognises that both gender and class play important roles in the formation of a particular version of a national identity. Sports nationalism and citizenship is used by nations to stamp their authority and to advertise their countries to the world. This is also to enlighten other nations that states is more than just national governments (Besnier and Brownell 2012). Foucault (1977, 1978) theorised that understanding the global landscape of sports with greater awareness of the state goes beyond national governments. …show more content…

Sport is a prime instrument for the socialisation of children to both nationalism and gender (Dyck 2010). According to Alter (1992) in the field of play national character is displayed. In soccer, the styles of play reflect national ideologies. For example in Soccer, the Brazilians play a style called samba which reflects ‘’individualistic creativity’’ whereas Germans are methodical in their play, evoking comparisons with a well-oiled machine. These play styles reflect their national values based on their ‘’historical, socially negotiated representations’’ (Carter 2002:8). In regards to style, the nationality of a team coach influences his ideals and philosophy. In Ghana, fans frequently claim that foreign coaches who enhance the national style of play find greater success than those who introduce a style inconsistent with the national style. Also, after gaining independence in 1957, Pres. Kwame Nkrumah used sports to establish national identity, generate recognition as an emerging country. This led to great success in the commonwealth and all African games in athletics (track and field), boxing, and football/soccer (Boateng and Maier

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