Sport has undergone tremendous change. In the past, sporting activities were rather informal and lacked the elaborate structures that are in place today. This has changed as formal policies, processes and frameworks have been adopted to facilitate the management of sport. Globalization, industrialization and nationalism are among the key forces driving the evolution of sport. These factors have combined to transform sport from a communal affair to a global phenomenon that attracts the attention of hundreds of millions of people.
Thesis
Modern and ancient sports are wildly and vastly different with the former defined by elaborate governance, increasing involvement of the state, commercialization and the media playing a critical role in broadcasting sport events. On the other hand, in the past, sport played a largely cultural role and was mostly the initiative of individuals who were driven by shared passions and acting without necessarily obtaining government sanction or support.
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Significance
The topic of the evolution has undergone is significant because it presents implications for modern sport. By examining the differences between modern and ancient sport, it is possible to identify lessons and key ideas from ancient sport that can be used to improve modern sport.
Support Paragraphs
Differences between Modern and Ancient Sport
The Role of the State
Today, governments are playing a more critical role in the management of sport
Governments are actively supporting sport teams
Governments have joined forces to finance global sporting events
Nationalism is a key driver of sports and governments are deeply involved in fueling nationalist rhetoric.
Governments play active role in regulating sport in countries like Germany and France. In the past, private associations were involved in sport regulation and management.
(Lecture 3).
-“In Britain and the United States stemmed precisely from their liberal approach to formation of voluntary associations, in contrast to Germany and France where such associations tended to be regulated by the state” (Szymansky, 2006, p. 3).
-“Abu Dhabi’s ruling family purchased Manchester United” (Markovitz and Rensmann 2010, p. 5)
-“the most important point here remains completely voluntary nature of these clubs and their complete independence from any of the authorities” (Markovits, 2015 p. 12)
Since state authorities are deeply involved in modern sport whereas ancient sport was organized by private associations and clubs, the two are fundamentally different.
Organization and Structure
Modern sport is highly structured and formally organized. In contrast, there were no formal frameworks for the management of sports in ancient times.
Elaborate and uniform rules governing sports have been developed and adopted
International organizations such as FIFA involved in sports management
Private organizations are playing a more central role in modern sports.
Today, schools and colleges serve as the main platforms for sport activities. In the past, sport was organized and conducted around private associations.
-Lecture 3
The bureaucratic organization of modern sport helps to distinguish it from ancient sport.
Links to Culture
In the past, sports had strong and direct links to culture.
Ancient port was an outlet for cultural expression
In the past, Sport used as form of worship and demonstrating respect for gods
The only link to culture of modern sports can be seen in nationalism.
Modern sport also serves some cultural purpose.
-“Particular kinds of games are highly significant, and can, therefore be related to the nature of social order” (Guttman, 1978, p. 11)
-in the formative period of American nation-building, three virtually characteristic American sports took shape: baseball, American football, and basketball” (Tomlinson, Markovits and Young, 2003, p. 1469)
By serving as a platform for the demonstration of cultural values and identity, ancient sport is different from modern sport which places little value on the importance of culture.
Commercialization of Sport
In ancient periods, sport was a platform for social interaction and celebration of culture. Today, sport has been commercialized.
Huge payments for sportspeople underscore commercialization.
Sport activities are broadcast across the world.
Teams engage in aggressive marketing and promotional campaigns.
Intense competition among nations to host sport events such as the Olympics and the World Cup are representations of the commercialization of sports.
The emergence of sport betting is further evidence of commercialization.
On the other hand, commerce played no clear role in ancient sport.
-“In the United States, an educational-commercial configuration has become predominant” (Bottenburg , 2011, p. 209)
The commercial interests and operations that define modern sport set it apart from ancient sport which essentially served to unite communities and as avenues for worship.
Counterargument
While it is true that ancient and modern sports are sharply different, there are some key similarities that cannot be ignored.
Competition and Rivalry
Sports involve teams that engage in intense competition.
Competition also seen in the relations among nations competing. Fans represent national rivalries.
- Lecture 5
-Lecture 3
Role in Fostering Unity and Community
Sport has historically brought together peoples from different backgrounds.
The emotional connections that fans develop and demonstrate highlight the unifying impacts of sport.
Both modern and ancient sport foster collaboration, team work and cooperation by creating opportunities for different parties to pull in the same direction.
-Lecture 4
Refutation
While the similarities are significant and noteworthy, they are far outweighed by the differences. Additionally, giving too much focus to similarities makes it difficult to appreciate the change that modern sport has undergone.
Conclusion
While it is sharply different from ancient sport, how sport is conducted and organized today has its roots in ancient periods. The differences can be seen in the organization, commercialization and regulation of sport. However, there are some similarities. The main take-away is that sport continues to unite communities and foster collaboration.
Works Cited
Bottenburg, M. (2011). Why are European and American sport worlds so different? Path-dependence in European and American history. In Tomlinson, A., Young, C., & Holt, R. (Eds.). Transformation of modern Europe: states, media and markets 1950-2010. London: Routledge.
Guttman, A. (1978). From ritual to record. The nature of modern sports. New York: Columbia University Press.
Markovits, A. S., & Rensmann, L. (2010). Gaming the world: how sports are reshaping global politics and culture. Princeton University Press.
Markovits, A. S. (2015). Sports as a major cultural construct in the advanced industrial world at the beginning of the 21 st century: a historical and comparative perspective . Buttenheim: Levi-Strauss-Museum Buttenheim.
Szymanski, S. (2006). A theory of the evolution of modern sport.” International Association of Sports Economists. .
Tomlinson, A., Markovits, A. S., & Young, C. (2003). Mapping sports space. American Behavioral Scientist, 46 (11), 1463-75.
