Surviving Ethnic Sports

Question 1

Define the term society

Answer 1

A community of people bound together by similar traditions, institutions or nationality

Question 2

Define the term culture

Answer 2

The traditions, beliefs, customs, practices, sports, pastimes and behaviour of a particular society or nation of people.

Question 3

What is meant by the phrase ethnic identity?

Answer 3

This is the unique behaviour, cultural traits and characteristics of a group often based on tradition and ritual.

Question 4

Describe what surviving ethnic sports are

Answer 4

These are the unique sports and games that are still being played, many of which have been going on for hundreds of years and which continue as important community festivals and celebrations.

Question 5

Give examples of surviving ethnic sports

Answer 5

Shrovetide Mob Football, Ashbourne, Derbyshire
Haxey Hood Game, Lincolnshire
Cheese Rolling, Coopers’s Hill, Gloucestershire
The Highland Games, Scotland
Robert Dover’s Cotswold Olympics, Chipping Campden

Question 6

Analyse the characteristics of surviving ethnic sports and reasons for their survival

Answer 6

Local - unique to area
Traditional - celebration of the past
Social - bringing communities together
Festival/Ritual - pagan singing and dancing, carnival atmosphere
Isolated - inaccessibility allows customs to survive
Tourism - travel to attend and spectate
Occasional - escape modern living and pressures

Question 7

Account for the criticism and attack of traditional festivals

Answer 7

Weakening of rural communities due to nineteenth century industrialisation
First World War - wiped out a generation and changed peoples views
Second World War - modern age of new technology
Hooliganism - causing festivals to be banned
Safety - concern over danger to participants
Puritanism - discouraging festivals and folk games