Sport and National Identities Flashcards
How is national identity often perceived?
As a natural object with self-evident and unchangeable boundaries, often seen as part of an individual’s essential nature.
What does the notion of “it’s in our DNA” imply about national identity?
It naturalizes and de-problematises the complexities of national identities.
What are nations the products of?
Social relations, struggle, and contestation.
How does Smith (1991) define nationalism?
As an ideological movement for attaining and maintaining autonomy, unity, and identity for a population.
What does nationalism legitimize?
The physical, legal, and cultural borders of nations.
What are key characteristics of nationalism?
It is contested, dynamic, and subject to diverse uses and interpretations.
How do diverse ethnic and cultural identities relate to nationalism in New Zealand?
They are encompassed under the idea of ‘New Zealander’ or ‘kiwiness.’
How does sport relate to national identity?
It is a significant site for the evocation and construction of national identities, often seen as an emotive vehicle for cultural affiliation (Silk et al, 2005
What role do national sporting events play?
They serve as cultural events of celebration and symbolic unity, like the Melbourne Cup or the Super Bowl.
How do international sports events affect patriotic sentiment?
They evoke patriotic sentiment and can unite diverse groups into coherent groups of patriots or consumers (Rowe, 2000).
What is a key takeaway about nationalism?
Nationalism is socially constructed but often goes unquestioned.
What is the significance of media in expressions of nationalism?
Media plays a crucial role in shaping and disseminating national narratives and identities.
What does a critical approach to nationalism examine?
How nationalism relates to cultural power relations and obscures internal divides and power imbalances.
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t’s seen as a natural object with unchangeable boundaries, which can naturalize and simplify complex social relations.
What is nationalism according to Smith (1991)?
An ideological movement for autonomy, unity, and identity for a population, legitimizing cultural and legal borders.
What role do national sporting events play in society?
They act as cultural events for celebration and unity, evoking patriotic sentiment.
How does media sport influence national identity?
It has the power to unite diverse groups into coherent identities of patriots or consumers (Rowe, 2000).
How do functionalists view the role of sport in society?
They see sport as a means to create unity and shared experiences that help integrate society.
What do Marxists argue about the nation-state?
It is constructed to serve capitalist interests, obscuring class divides and internal conflicts.
What does Marx state about the proletariat’s national identity?
“The working men have no country… must constitute itself the nation.”
How is national sentiment viewed in Marxist theory?
As a tool to distract the masses and maintain ruling class power.
How do feminists interpret national identities?
They highlight that these identities reflect patriarchal structures, often marginalizing women.
How does sport reinforce gender norms?
Sport-based nationalism often perpetuates narrow stereotypes of masculinity and excludes women.
What do critical theories focus on in relation to national identities?
They analyze how identities are constructed hegemonically and contestably, often masking inequalities.
What is critiqued about the notion of national unity?
It obscures complexities and histories of domination, presenting a false sense of harmony.
How do media representations shape national identity?
They selectively construct narratives that serve specific interests, influencing public perceptions of nationhood.
What traits characterize Colin Meads as a national icon?
He embodies humility, hard work, and reliability, reflecting values admired in New Zealand culture.
What silences are present in narratives about figures like Meads?
Complexities surrounding their actions and the socio-political contexts of their decisions are often overlooked.
In what way has Lydia Ko influenced New Zealand society?
She has helped shape a multicultural identity and improve race relations in New Zealand.
Why is sport significant for nationalism?
It provides a platform for expressing and constructing national identities, often through international competitions.
What economic aspect is linked to national identity in sports?
National sporting events often serve as economic drivers, promoting tourism and investment.
How have global media corporations affected sports?
They prioritize commercial interests, shaping the coverage and presentation of sports to maximize profits.
What is the cultural economy of media sport?
It’s where information, ideas, and images are exchanged, influencing social relations and cultural norms.
How are sports celebrities used in constructing national identity?
They are often narrativized to provide meaning to a society’s past and cultural identity.
