Sport and Society

1. Sport and Society The relationship between sport and society is a complex two way process

2. By the end of this unit you will know…. • The relationship between sport and social class. • The effect of the historical development of sport and society. • The effects that the media and commercialism has on sport. • Gender divides and racism within sport. • The differences that exist between the development, organisation and function of sport between countries.

3. Are the UK ‘Losers?’ • In recent years the UK has competed against major world forces such as USA, and Australia often coming off as ‘losers’. • List as many popular sports as you can think of and write next to it the name of the country you think excels at it. • To narrow the gap between these nations we need to identify how sport and society can use each other to improve.

4. The Population • To fully understand what is happening today, we need to go back to the origin of the sports involved…. Middle ages • Uk’s population was almost totally rural • London (only substantial town) had a population of only 20,000. • Population was split into 2 main groups: The Gentry (upper class) The peasants (lower class) • The Gentry (land owners) had more time to play sport, less discomfort, better food and housing.

5. Upper or lower? Draw a table like the one below and fill in as many sports as you can think of which are traditionally participated in by the upper or lower classes:

6. Popular games and recreations of pre-industrial Britain • Social class was very evident within sporting activities, some examples we will be looking at: • Real tennis – confined to the gentry and privileged. • Football – game of the peasants • Cricket – social mix was sometimes permissible.

7. The Gentry The gentry took part in sporting activities Because of…. • time available to them • Economic and Social advantage • The need to demonstrate military preparedness.

8. Sporting activities of the gentry A common characteristic of Gentry sport was the horse, do you know why? Further characteristics of the activities the Gentry Participated in…. • Had limited physical contact • Included complex rules/laws • Needed some form of equipment/clothing

9. Hunting • When the country was not at war, hunting became the substitute. • Hunting was restricted by social status by the game laws – deer were the quarry of only the richest hunters • The gentlemen had to be skilled in games and other recreations (hunting, riding, wrestling and sword play – later known as fencing). • Gambling was also a popular pastime – bowling, horse races, cock fighting and archery.

10. Task • We have looked briefly at the pastimes of ‘the gentry’, with a partner you need to choose one of the activities an upper class gentleman would participate in and produce a short information sheet including: • Equipment they would need to take part • Rules of the game/activity • Describe how that game has evolved into the modern day versions. • Any additional information you can find about that activity.