Sport and National Identities

Question 1

How is national identity often perceived?

Answer 1

As a natural object with self-evident and unchangeable boundaries, often seen as part of an individual’s essential nature.

Question 2

What does the notion of “it’s in our DNA” imply about national identity?

Answer 2

It naturalizes and de-problematises the complexities of national identities.

Question 3

What are nations the products of?

Answer 3

Social relations, struggle, and contestation.

Question 4

How does Smith (1991) define nationalism?

Answer 4

As an ideological movement for attaining and maintaining autonomy, unity, and identity for a population.

Question 5

What does nationalism legitimize?

Answer 5

The physical, legal, and cultural borders of nations.

Question 6

What are key characteristics of nationalism?

Answer 6

It is contested, dynamic, and subject to diverse uses and interpretations.

Question 7

How do diverse ethnic and cultural identities relate to nationalism in New Zealand?

Answer 7

They are encompassed under the idea of ‘New Zealander’ or ‘kiwiness.’

Question 8

How does sport relate to national identity?

Answer 8

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

Question 9

What role do national sporting events play?

Answer 9

They serve as cultural events of celebration and symbolic unity, like the Melbourne Cup or the Super Bowl.

Question 10

How do international sports events affect patriotic sentiment?

Answer 10

They evoke patriotic sentiment and can unite diverse groups into coherent groups of patriots or consumers (Rowe, 2000).

Question 11

What is a key takeaway about nationalism?

Answer 11

Nationalism is socially constructed but often goes unquestioned.

Question 12

What is the significance of media in expressions of nationalism?

Answer 12

Media plays a crucial role in shaping and disseminating national narratives and identities.

Question 13

What does a critical approach to nationalism examine?

Answer 13

How nationalism relates to cultural power relations and obscures internal divides and power imbalances.

Question 14

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Answer 14

t’s seen as a natural object with unchangeable boundaries, which can naturalize and simplify complex social relations.

Question 15

What is nationalism according to Smith (1991)?

Answer 15

An ideological movement for autonomy, unity, and identity for a population, legitimizing cultural and legal borders.

Question 16

What role do national sporting events play in society?

Answer 16

They act as cultural events for celebration and unity, evoking patriotic sentiment.

Question 17

How does media sport influence national identity?

Answer 17

It has the power to unite diverse groups into coherent identities of patriots or consumers (Rowe, 2000).

Question 18

How do functionalists view the role of sport in society?

Answer 18

They see sport as a means to create unity and shared experiences that help integrate society.

Question 19

What do Marxists argue about the nation-state?

Answer 19

It is constructed to serve capitalist interests, obscuring class divides and internal conflicts.

Question 20

What does Marx state about the proletariat’s national identity?

Answer 20

“The working men have no country… must constitute itself the nation.”

Question 21

How is national sentiment viewed in Marxist theory?

Answer 21

As a tool to distract the masses and maintain ruling class power.

Question 22

How do feminists interpret national identities?

Answer 22

They highlight that these identities reflect patriarchal structures, often marginalizing women.

Question 23

How does sport reinforce gender norms?

Answer 23

Sport-based nationalism often perpetuates narrow stereotypes of masculinity and excludes women.

Question 24

What do critical theories focus on in relation to national identities?

Answer 24

They analyze how identities are constructed hegemonically and contestably, often masking inequalities.

Question 25

What is critiqued about the notion of national unity?

Answer 25

It obscures complexities and histories of domination, presenting a false sense of harmony.

Question 26

How do media representations shape national identity?

Answer 26

They selectively construct narratives that serve specific interests, influencing public perceptions of nationhood.

Question 27

What traits characterize Colin Meads as a national icon?

Answer 27

He embodies humility, hard work, and reliability, reflecting values admired in New Zealand culture.

Question 28

What silences are present in narratives about figures like Meads?

Answer 28

Complexities surrounding their actions and the socio-political contexts of their decisions are often overlooked.

Question 29

In what way has Lydia Ko influenced New Zealand society?

Answer 29

She has helped shape a multicultural identity and improve race relations in New Zealand.

Question 30

Why is sport significant for nationalism?

Answer 30

It provides a platform for expressing and constructing national identities, often through international competitions.

Question 31

What economic aspect is linked to national identity in sports?

Answer 31

National sporting events often serve as economic drivers, promoting tourism and investment.

Question 32

How have global media corporations affected sports?

Answer 32

They prioritize commercial interests, shaping the coverage and presentation of sports to maximize profits.

Question 33

What is the cultural economy of media sport?

Answer 33

It’s where information, ideas, and images are exchanged, influencing social relations and cultural norms.

Question 34

How are sports celebrities used in constructing national identity?

Answer 34

They are often narrativized to provide meaning to a society’s past and cultural identity.