SPORT 1913 - 2013

SPORT AS A SOCIAL PHENOMENON - Beyond the Boundaries

Introduction Any study of sport which is not a study of the society in which that sport is located is a study out of context. In order to make sense of soci- ety – and how sport both reflects and rein- forces societal structures and sub-cultures requires theoretical insight and empirical en- quiry. The facts about sport and society do not speak for themselves: sociological theories both help us make sense of our observations and assist in the development of an analysis and explanation for the patterns we observe. The interplay between theory and evidence lies at the heart of the sociological imagina- tion that seeks to make sense of history, biog- raphy and social structures. Hence, the study of sport sheds light both on the subcultures of different sports but also the society in which such sports are located. Through the seemingly mundane and unserious aspects of sport the sociologist can see the serious and significant aspects of soci- ety and the human condition. In what ways then can the social phenomenon of sport be measured? Clearly, there are economic, political, cul- tural and social elements to its significance – each of which may have positive or negative dimensions. For example, the consumption within the west of the performances of elite sport stars, either as representatives of the state or of private capital, is also linked to a sports industrial complex (SIC) whose com- modity chains are linked to the exploitative work practices of firms in south-east Asia, and

elsewhere (Maguire 2004, 2012a). Given this, in this chapter I want to consider the socio- cultural significance of sport, especially in light of the mission of the International Work- ers and Amateurs in Sports Confederation (CSIT) that emphasises equality and solidarity in sports. Sport actions of the past have devel- oped into our contemporary sport practices, just as our actions of today shape what may come tomorrow. We have a responsibility to ourselves and to others, to share good practice, to use the sporting arena on land and sea wise- ly, and to cherish body cultures and traditions from across the globe. In doing so, we can work together towards shaping sport cultures that are better for individuals, communities, and the environment: that balance our local needs with global interdependence. That is the chal- lenge that faces all of us, including the CSIT. Here, then, I intend to highlight two main issues: how the work of sport is socially constructed and involves systems of produc- tion and consumption that are marked by varying degrees of equality and exploitation, solidarity and division; and, while workers of/ in sport represent their club, firm, brand, and nation, they also, on occasions, by their ac- tions transcend these features of the SIC, and come to embody messages about hope, equal- ity and fairness. This, then, is also part of the social phenomenon of sport. The Social Significance of Sport The social significance of sport can be high- lighted in various ways – whether it be the

JOSEPH MAGUIRE / United Kingdom

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