Module 2 - Politics, Globalization and Sport Flashcards
What is the Definition of Politics?
- Processes and procedures of making decisions that affect collections of people, from small groups to societies”
How do sociologists view politics?
- Processes through which power is gained and used in social life
What are some types of politics and sport?
- “internal” politics of sport
- Politics of national/ethnic identities in sport
- Sport-related activism and social change, and terrorism
- Sport-related international development
- Funding of SPort
- Public diplomacy and sport mega events
What is an example of the ‘old politics of sport’?
Canada-Soviet Summit Series 1972
When was the shift from Old Politics to New?
- 1980’s onward: Focus on impact of transnational sport-related corporations and organizations
What are examples of the shift from old politics to new?
- Globalizing corporate sport through Michael Jordan, Nike, and NBA
- Cross promoting the London 2012 Olympics and McDonalds
What are the Key Points on Global Politics of Sport?
- Nation-state: takes a different role
- Nation-state enters complex relationship with transnational corporations
- Increased presence and importance of corporations
How is globalization described?
- Compression of the world and intensification of consciousness of the world as a whole
What is a key driver of (economic) globalization?
- Neoliberalism
What is Neoliberalism?
Societies work more efficiently when governments:
- minimize barriers to economic growth
- Facilitate the success of private businesses
- Prioritize choices of ‘citizen-consumers’
- Take less responsibility for social programmes
What do supporters of the neoliberalist approach think?
- Governments should facilitate global economic connections
- Social Problems can be addressed through minimal government intervention
How do governments facilitate global economic connections in the neoliberalist approach?
- Implement policies that break down barriers to transnational corporations moving into new, profitable contexts
- Minimize trade barriers and regulation on corporate conduct
How can social problems be addressed using the neoliberalist approach?
Minimal Government Intervention
- Principles and practices of private business will lead to greater efficiency
- By ‘Consumer choices’
What are the Key point of neoliberalism and globalization?
Globalization
- The process
Neoliberalism
- Policy and Ideology
- Drives Process
What is the argument for Globalization?
- Global flow of goods/services helpful
- When Trade enhance, more wealth, ‘trickle-down’
- Cosmopolitanism, diversity and hybrid cultures
- Connections worldwide (internet): community and activism
What is an example of the positive debate for Globalization?
Golden Arches Theory of Conflict Prevention
- Links McDonalds with peace (no longer accurate)
Why do some people view Globalization as Negative?
- Economic globalization favours western countries
- Exploit resources of non-western countries
- Nike in Southeast Asia: labour conditions, wages
What are some concerns about economic globalization?
- When economic barriers decreased, trend toward greater inequality, even if overall wealth increases
- Wealth inequality associated with poorer than expected health measures
What are the flaws of the neoliberalist approach to public service provisions?
- Unregulated businesses may appear environmentally-friendly
- Fewer, more costly recreation opportunities for less wealthy
What is Corporate Nationalism?
- When companies associate themselves with a national identity
What are some examples of Corporate Nationalism?
- Adidas: Maori Dance
- Molson Canadian: I am Canadian Beer commercial
- Tim Hortons: Proud Fathers
What is SPortwashing?
- Sport: used as a tool for diverting attention from social or environmental problems
What is soft power?
- Exerting influence by attracting, rather than coercing
What is an example of a soft power play?
- Hosting sports events: presents host country or sponsor in positive light
