Globalization and Its Influence on Sports - Essay Example

Globalization and its Influence on Sports Introduction The paper would first elaborate on the concept of globalization, by focusing on all the diverse facets that are its (globalization) inseparable part. As a matter of fact, the topic of “Globalization” could be appropriately understood only when a thorough study is carried out of all the above aspects. After that, the focus of the paper would move to understanding the vital connection between the worldwide realm of sports and globalization. Even here, all the key and pertinent issues are going to be meticulously examined. Understanding Globalization Contrary to the popular belief of the contemporary era, many renowned economists emphatically state that, strictly going by the basic definition of the term (globalization), it is not a phenomenon that got underway only in the recent past. They state in no uncertain terms that globalization is a process that got initiated as early as many centuries ago, when commercial interactions amongst members of diverse societies of the globe commenced. Having said that, the above-mentioned economists do concede, it is an irrefutable fact that globalization has been spreading across the planet more swiftly over the past two decades, attributable primarily to the phenomenal surge in information technology. There are many popular definitions of globalization, and at this juncture it won’t be out of place in having a look at a few of them. “In its most innocuous sense, globalization simply refers to the complex of forces that trend toward a single world society. Among these forces are mass communications, commerce, increased ease of travel, the internet, popular culture, and the increasingly widespread use of English as an international language” (1) (Progressiveliving.org, ND). “The more important sense of the term refers to a process, well underway, which trends toward the undermining of national sovereignty, and therefore citizens rights, in favor of the economic interests of gigantic transnational corporations (TNCs). The latter already comprise more than half of the largest "economies" of the world, and are vastly more powerful than most governments.” (1) (Progressiveliving.org, ND). The above definitions are highly relevant to contemporary times, as the hitherto challenging criteria of time and space have now ceased to be hindrances in interactions between people dwelling in different parts of the globe. That is attributable predominantly to the technological revolution that the globe has been witnessing over the past three decades. Also, the first of the aforesaid definitions has included even the element of culture while speaking about integration of mankind. In fact, the rapidly progressing process of globalization has really brought about a worldwide scenario, which is marked by the presence of healthy blend of varying cultures. Globalization- Facets and Various Processes In his essay “Disjuncture and Difference in the Global Cultural Economy”, the author Arjun Appadurai strongly emphasizes that the current trends of globalization cannot be comprehended by the already prevalent theories and models. In this essay, he subtly points out to the fact that the current process of globalization, along with various related positive developments, is also marked by constantly present conflicts amongst diverse cultures. Appadurai focuses on the fact that the rapidly progressing technology, by its ability in enabling transfer of information at lightning speed, is contributing in no uncertain way the above conflicts. (2) (Arjun Appadurai, ND). The book “Counterworks: Managing the Diversity of Knowledge”, which includes the analyses of ten experts from the realm of anthropology, provides a deeper understanding of the term “Culture”, which in fact is rather different from what the people consider it to be. “Counterworks” also goes on to emphasize that the advent of hegemony invariably leads also to the arrival of a force challenging it (hegemony). The ten anthropologists aptly refer to several real life examples to back their logically sound views. (3) (American Anthropologist, 1997). At this point, it would be worthwhile in having a bird’s eye view of another work by Arjun Appadurai, a book titled “The Social Life of Things: Commodities in Cultural Perspective”. In the book, Appadurai meticulously analyzes the strong connection between material culture and the overall social existence. Through this book, he elaborates on the aspect of “commodity” from an entirely social perspective, by stating that a commodity does possess social life, as its value is attributed to it by the society. He also focuses on a highly interesting point while saying that, commodities do convey some subtle messages to the society in which they move through various levels. (4) (arjun appadurai, ND). The above paragraph is very much relevant to the contemporary worldwide scenario of globalization, as now; there indeed is an enhanced exchange of commodities amongst different economies and cultures. Owing to that, it is but obvious that people do perceive the subtle communications attached with them (commodities). That the surge in information technology is playing a pivotal role in making the people to perceive those communications warrants no special mention. In a book titled “A Place in the World?: Places, Culture and Globalization”, its writers Jess Massey, Pat Jess and Doreen Massey question the prevalent meanings of both culture and also the link between diverse cultures. In the book, they facilitate a new understanding of “culture”, based upon the contemporary related trends. It (the book), along with focusing on the varied aspects of cultural identity, also dwells upon different phases of history, for providing a deeper insight into migration, hybridity and settlement of people. Last but not the least, in this book, the authors also aptly emphasize on economic issues by throwing light on movement of capital, over the past few centuries, too. (5) (Eric Brahm, 2005). Based on the contents discussed in the last few paragraphs, it could be conveniently inferred that globalization, as seen in the present times, is a culmination of various processes that have commenced as early as many centuries ago. In fact, all the above-mentioned processes contribute equally to the contemporary globalization trends, and just one of them cannot be deemed to be solely responsible for the related state of affairs. Here, a little elaboration on some of the major processes is more or less indispensable for a thorough understanding of the topics to be covered in this paper. Perhaps, one of the most vital processes exercising a key influence on globalization is that of cultural integration. In the distant past, as mankind started registering landmark achievements in the realm of technology, transportation, etc, enhanced interactions between denizens of the diverse zones of the globe became the order of the day. Obviously, that resulted in people getting aware of the different cultures and practices, and over the course of time, this led to a healthy combination of various cultures. In the present-day scenario, the aforesaid interactions have registered a further rise, attributable primarily to the technological revolution. Hence, now, the aspect of cultural integration is even more prominent, on a global basis. The second important process is that of rendering the elements of time and space practically irrelevant, by various advances in technology. Even in the past, inventions such as telegraph, telephone, television, super fast trains, supersonic jet planes, among others, revolutionized things by challenging the aspects of time and space. And special mention needs to be made of the role being played by the modern technology, through the likes of Internet, mobile phones, etc, in further minimizing the relevance of time and space. The next process is that of increased economic ties amongst different zones of the globe. These ties, which started to steadily rise after the Industrial Revolution, are now almost an integral part of the global economy. The World is now witnessing many prestigious commercial ventures, which not just benefit the regions in question, but also go on to contribute immensely to the worldwide economy. The focus now needs to be on the trend of more and more people migrating to foreign zones, and settling there, after moving away from their native locales. That is probably a very key element of the subject of “current trends of globalization”. As a matter of fact, even that (migration and settlement) started many centuries ago itself, though it was not as extensive as what is being seen in the modern-day scenario. After briefly examining the key processes of globalization, it needs to be conceded that the scenario is not without an unpleasant angle to it. It is a logical outcome that, when there is a heightened interaction between people pertaining to totally differing backgrounds, conflicts are not totally unavoidable. And these conflicts, which encompass diverse realms, too constitute a key feature of globalization. But despite all that, that the benefits of globalization far outweigh the drawbacks such as the conflicts is an irrefutable fact. Globalization and Sports In view of all the contents discussed in this paper, till now, it is but logical that even the global realm of sports is impacted by the various processes and aspects of globalization. In fact, owing to that (globalization), along with several positive trends, many complexities, conflicts, politics, to cite a few, have become an almost inseparable part of the worldwide avenue of sports. This particular section of the paper would be carrying out an elaborate analysis of all those issues, both positive and also negative. The modern-day sphere of global sports has become more competitive than ever. Owing to that, numerous people associated with sports are leaving no stone unturned in creating the identities for themselves, based upon their respective roles in the realm (of sports). That goes on to speak volumes of the above scenario of fierce competition verging on hostility. The worldwide scenario of games and sports is also not without conflicts on the grounds of nationality, culture and gender, etc. (6) (Jonathon Hardcastle, 2010). It could be conveniently inferred that, that substantial rise in competition is predominantly attributable to globalization. For more number of regions are now enabled to become a vital part of the international sphere of sports solely because of trends attributable to globalization. Owing to the increased activity in global sports, brought about by globalization, the sphere (sports) is now being viewed also from the perspective of sociology. Though there are instances of discrimination on the grounds of gender, race, etc, along with instances of violence, the avenue of worldwide sports is playing a pivotal role in uniting people of diverse backgrounds, too. Owing to enhanced activity in the global realm of sports, players are getting acquainted with cultures and practices of denizens of diverse zones. Over the past few decades, there has been a trend of increased participation by women in various sport disciplines. (7) (flipkart.com, 2010). There is now a school of thought strongly arguing that, contrary to general view, and similar to the overall concept of globalization, even globalization related to some sports such as football is not a process that got initiated only in the recent past. It would not be an exaggeration in maintaining that the issue of “sports globalization” warrants more relevance to be attached to it, more so in comparison with the corresponding scenario of the past. (8) (Yahoo.com, 2010). Real Examples The following real examples go on to further explain about the extent to which globalization has been impacting the global segment of sports: Migration: The aspect of migration and settlement discussed earlier in the paper, has become a prominent feature even in the worldwide segment of sports, courtesy the rapid spread of globalization. Many players, coaches and administrative officials, amongst many others, are now migrating to various regions and offering their respective services. It has already been noted that, a comparatively unhindered movement across diverse zones of the globe is a salient feature of current globalization trends. (9) (Maarten van Bottenburg1 & Nico Wilterdink2, August 2004). Colonialism and Globalization: In Papua New Guinea, the early colonialism, which is now considered as a primary reason for setting in motion the initial process of globalization, across the world, introduced many sports of the west into the zone (Papua New Guinea). After many initial controversies and conflicts, all those sports have now been successfully adapted to the conventions and sensitivities of the New Guinea populace. In a way, that could be related to the aspect of cultural integration and enhanced economic ties, which are key features of present-day globalization. (10) (Papua New Guinea Football Association, ND). Commercialization: Globalization is the major factor, owing to which, many sports of several countries got totally commercialized and institutionalized. The current state of affairs of the English elite basketball is a striking example of that. The English elite basketball underwent many transformations related to ensuring equilibrium of power, and in the process the element of commerce started playing a dominant role. That such a trend of attaching special relevance to monetary aspect is a hallmark of modern globalization warrants no special mention. (11) (University of Leicester, ND) English Cricket: History is testimony to the fact that, Cricket has always been considered to be representing the English spirit of nationalism. Even to this day, there are endless debates over the inclusion of players of other nationalities in various English cricket teams. Though many players from Africa and West Indian Islands are a part of several teams, yet, it seems that it is mandatory for them to be members of the corresponding ethnic groups. The inequalities in the realm of British Sports vividly reflect the still-persistent imperialism-centric mindset of the British. As has been seen earlier, globalization did lead to enhanced sporting interactions between various regions, but not without the various forms of discrimination. And elimination of the same can be treated as the compelling need of the hour. (12) (DOMINIC MALCOLM, Sep 2001). Political Ideologies: In the book “Sport and Political Ideology”, the author John M Hoberman states that, owing to the aggressive competition, even varying political philosophies and ideologies are now exerting their impact on the contemporary realm of sports. Ideologies such as fascism and communism, by making sports as the platform, are in conflict with each other. In the present times, different political systems are siding by some sports and ridiculing the others as being opposed to their ideologies. This inevitably is resulting in several political conflicts, and these (conflicts) are also a feature of prevalent trends of globalization. (13) (jstr.org, ND). Contemporary Football: The game of football has been spreading rapidly to diverse regions of the globe, with many new teams, clubs, etc now being an important part of this sport. But there is also an unpleasant side to the picture. Even to this day, instances of violence are more or less a regular feature in many significant matches. As a matter of fact, in some cases, it is indeed disturbing to be noting that, the football field is being used as a platform for displaying aggression related to controversies no way related to this sport. There should be no hesitation in stating that, that disturbing trend is attributable predominantly to globalization, as it is globalization which is responsible for the aforesaid enhanced participation. And when too many entities are involved in any game, it is but obvious that controversies and conflicts do tend to arise. (14) (BERG, 2010). Divided Societies: There are several countries, in which, the population is divided on various lines such as culture, political affiliation, to name a few. No unanimous conclusion can be drawn whether sports in those countries are playing a unifying role, or are they furthering the already prevalent division. In some countries falling in this category, sport is rendering a yeoman service in bringing the people together, while in others (countries), it is further escalating the prevalent conflict-ridden environment. To a significant extent, the aspects of migration and settlement of modern globalization, are contributing to this scenario of the society being divided, in no uncertain terms. (15) (MEYER & MEYER SPORT, ND). Conclusion The contents of this paper emphatically focus on the fact that, globalization, along with all the benefits, has also led to the advent of quite a few unpleasant scenarios. This very blend of positives and negatives can be found also in the realm of worldwide sports, when analyzed from the perspective of globalization. The real examples dwelled upon effectively focus on the various complexities that have become an integral part of global sports. The subject in question is an exhaustive one, and it is just not possible to be covering all the related vital issues in a brief paper such as this one. Yet, a sincere attempt has been made to cover most of the pertinent key points. Sources 1) Progressiveliving.org, ND. The Progressive Living Glossary. Retrieved from progressiveliving.org/globalization_defined.htm. 2) Arjun Appadurai, ND. Disjuncture and Difference in the global economy. Retrieved from intcul.tohoku.ac.jp/~holden/MediatedSociety/Readings/2003_04/Appadurai.html. 3) American Anthropologist, 1997. Anthropology as an Agnostic Discipline. Retrieved from jstor.org/pss/681758 4) Appadurai, ND. Appadurai. Retrieved from appadurai.com/publications_social.htm 5) Eric Brahm, 2005. Globalization. Retrieved from beyondintractability.org/essay/globalization/?nid=6563 6) Jonathon Hardcastle, 2010. Globalization and Sport. Retrieved from ezinearticles.com/?Globalization-and-Sport&id=305770. 7) flipkart.com, 2010. 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