Sports are physical contests which have a long tradition. They help children learn to manage their emotions and cope with highs and lows. However, they also represent a complex social phenomenon.
Sports have been used to create national identities. The sports industry also contributes to the invention of traditions and practices.
During the Industrial Revolution, people became more physically active. Technology allowed for faster travel. Also, money could be transported more quickly. This led to the development of organized games and pastimes.
At the turn of the 20th century, the Western world became increasingly dominated by sports. Athletic talent was gathered from Africa and South America. But these countries did not have the necessary economic resources to invest in athletics. Consequently, they were forced to compete with stronger nations on the world stage.
Athletes were trained to achieve their physical maximum. Their “feeling rules” guided them as they learned to manage their emotions. Some of these rules survive in modern sports.
In the late 19th century, sports became a form of patriot games. Groups outside of the established establishment used sports to represent their country’s identity. Similarly, the Australian Aboriginal people won the right to participate in sports.
Sport can also be seen as a way of inculcating certain values, such as hard work, perseverance, and winning. It also helps children to develop their physical skills. Often, sports socialization is a form of state-supported physical education.
However, a variety of global processes are shaping the development of sports. These include increasing diversity of body cultures and local identities.