Interventions of the UK Government in Sports Policy - Case Study Example

SPORTS AND POLITICAL IDEOLOGIES INTRODUCTION: WHY INVOLVEMENT? Sports have been part of the story of humanity since the ancient period (Allison, 2006). It has long been acknowledged that sports are avenues where prestige can be attained by the individual (Allison, 2006). However, at the onset of contemporary period, sports have entered into a phase wherein its utility has moved beyond personal glory and prestige towards the notion and reality that sports perform societal functions and purposes (Houlihan, 2002;2008; Polley, 2008; Allison, 2006). Several factors contributed to this shift. One is the rationalisation of sports which entailed the creation of rules and regulations in the play of the sports and that this element of sports started only during the 19th century (Guttmen, 2008). Another factor that contributed to this shift is the direct governmental intervention in sports during the early part of the twentieth century, which has been made more manifest after World War 1 and at the onset of globalisation (Houlihan, 2002). One of the earliest governmental interventions in sports is the passage of policies prohibiting blood sports. Great Britain and United States are the first two countries who have implemented this policy (Houlihan, 2008). In fact until now, boxing is still banned in Sweden (Houlihan, 2008) What is significant and distinct about the direct involvement of the government in sports is the idea that the state has started to intervene on what sports is to be promoted and what is to be outlawed. In fact, after World War I, the state has found more reasons to become directly involved in sports because sports have been valued as a good way for the military to be physically fit (Houlihan, 2002). Although this is no longer a popular reason for state involvement in sports, it cannot be denied that the military reason for physical fitness and training has become an important policy in sports development from 1920s until 1980s (Houlihan, 2002). In the more recent years, the state involvement in sports has been motivated by the concept of social integration and cohesion (Houlihan, 2002). Social integration has been claimed to be a loose term that covers diverse policies which ranges from “combating juvenile delinquency, establishing a sense of community during rapid periods of urbanization the integration of diverse ethnic groups” (Houlihan, 2002: 215). While others have maintained that the social integration of sports is not just a means to attain social stability in the face of rapid developments and changes but that it is “ defined as integration in the work routines of the capitalists/industrialists economy through an acceptance of the codification, rationalization and authority structures (governing bodies) of modern sports (Houlihan, 2002:215). But the motivation of state involvement in sports is not limited only to social integration. Concepts of nation building, national identity, international camaraderie, diplomacy, and global integration have become part of the reasons behind policies pertaining to state’s involvement in sports. In this sense, it cannot be denied that state and governmental intervention has become a part of modern sports, since, justifications and motivations have been made available for such governmental actions. THE QUESTION In light of this truism, the need to address the question do political ideologies impact modern sports? becomes vital since the inherent the connection between politics, political ideologies and modern sports have become undeniable (Loy & Booth, 2002). Acknowledging the significance of the question, this paper will try to provide answer via critical evaluation of the involvement of UK government to sports in terms of policies adopted. However, before addressing this question, the researcher deems to address an implicit assumption in the paper – the presence of political ideologies and policies. POLITICAL IDEOLOGIES AND POLICIES Trying to understand the interrelation between political ideologies and modern sports necessitate a look into the apparent interconnection between politics, power and policies primarily because governmental policies pertinent to modern sports are to be understood within the context of politics and power. It should be noted, however, that it is not within the scope of this paper to provide an in depth discussion of this apparent interconnection but this clarification is being undertaken in order to thresh out any ambiguities in the understanding of the notion of political ideologies. The concept of politics is very broad because it encompasses various fields such as administration, policy analysis, political theories, international relations and government and public relations. In line with this, theoretical and empirical articulations are done from micro level up to the macro level using diverse frameworks like Marxism, liberalism, feminisms, black movement, and many more. In this regard, for the paper the concept of politics is understood as a feature of modern life that pervades all organisations and institutions whether public or private as they/it embarks on human activities (Ponton and Gill as cited in Houlihan, 2008: 37). While power is wielded by those in authority, whether in public or private, formal or informal, governmental or non-governmental for various purposes such as legislation, finances, affecting public attitudes and values which are deemed embedded in the society (Houlihan, 2008). In this sense, power is a tool utilised for strategy and manipulation (Foucault, 1978as cited in Houlihan, 2008: 38). Being such, political ideologies become the framework, the buttress with which power and politics is made understandable in the context of the policies adopted. Policies are adopted because there is the presence of particular problems or issues, and those strategies, which best suits the problem should be planned and created. Furthermore, policies conjured should be implemented and have a room for its evaluation. Fig.1 Policies on Sports Politics Power Figure 1 shows the important relation between political ideologies and policies on sports, as mentioned before, political ideologies becomes the foundation of the policies implemented, thus making policies understandable. In light this simple clarification, we are now faces with the question do political ideologies impact modern sports? THE ANSWER Yes, political ideologies have an impact on modern sports. This position is maintained based on the following arguments: First, the UK government has been influenced by three political ideologies namely conservatism, liberalism and social reformism (Bramham, 2008). Conservatism is basically the political ideology that seeks to maintain the status quo. It rejects call for equality and holds the idea that existing inequality is natural, and in fact God- given (Bramham, 2008). Liberalism, on the other hand, supports the following notions – individualism, liberty and democracy. This political ideology holds that the individual should be given the freedom since it is the individual’s right to pursue one’s good with minimal government interference especially in the enjoyment of the fruits of his/her own labour. Under this ideology, the individual and the government strikes an agreement that there will be minimal governmental interference in the individual pursuit of good but the individual must adhere to laws mandated by the government. This supposition works on the premise that the constitution of the land and all its laws act as the guide against abuse and encroachment of the government against the individual while at the same time maintaining the peace, order and security among individual relations (Bramham, 2008). Social reformism, on the other hand, holds that the current capitalists economic structure have perpetuated inequalities between the rich and the poor and has opened conditions such as abject poverty, unemployment, insecurities in terms of health and properties and other similar conditions which hampers people’s growth as a human person and deny them the chance to achieve and enjoy the good life (Bramham, 2008; Allison, 2006). In order to rectify the errors, and protect the people, the government should ensure minimum wage, income, housing, education, social services, health care and housing for all especially the disadvantaged (Bramham, 2006). The combination of these three political ideologies has been observed in the actions taken by UK government on policies regarding sports. During the 1970’s New Right thinking has strongly influenced UK government. New right thinking is an ideology which combines liberalism and conservatism pointing to the errors of social reformism. New Right’s conservative thinking holds that if people want to enjoy more public services, they have to pay more. And in sports, this means that if people want to enjoy sports more, it had to come from their own pocket. The government would not be spending funds for it (Bramham, 2006). In fact, during the leadership of Ms. Thatcher, players and sports agencies have to secure funding from businesses for support. Furthermore, under New Right thinking, sports was never seen as a viable option that maybe used in addressing concerns regarding juvenile delinquency (Bramham,2006). On the other hand, New Labour ideology which is a hybrid of neo-liberalism and social opportunities as an integrated part of welfarism has been brought in with the Labour Party winning the British elections in 1997. It has brought with it policies that have made sports as an important part of the British society. New Labour’s ‘Sports for All?’ is an inclusive policy that encouraged the planning, management and development of sports facilities. Moreover, local governments have been encouraged to establish facilities which are community based and on a large scale (Bramham, 2006). Furthermore, by mid 1990s, the policy initiative, Sports: Raising the Game which strengthen PE curriculum and provided strong opportunities for sports have been drafted and Youth Sports Trust have been established as new ways with which the youth may be encouraged to join sports again. Likewise, the government has secured funding for sports through the National Lottery. Last but not the least, they have opened schools wherein gifted children can further enhance their sporting skills. These sport policies are easy to apprehend since the current government holds onto neo-liberalism and social opportunities for all as part of its core ideologies. Second, a series of paper have been published by Sports England. Org which highlights the recognise importance of sports in UK. Noticeable in the five papers, that although it focuses on the different facets where sports contribute greatly, the underlying political ideology of the papers which are: social opportunities which are integral in welfarism. Individuality and freedom necessary under the ideology of neo-liberalism, and finally, government taking direct active involvement in sports in order to use sports as a means to create job, combat crimes, counter juvenile delinquency and acknowledge the continuous effort in creating a better society for everyone which is necessary in understanding and sustaining social reforms. Moreover, the papers support the idea of enabling people, of providing them better life via opening opportunities that will recognise and enhance their capacities as human persons, by giving them alternatives which thereby allows them to exercise their own individuality and freedom as they try to chart their own lives. Furthermore, via utilising sports the government has taken the initial step that will narrow the gap in health inequalities and likewise start the establishment of a safer community. All of these ideals are core principles of some political ideologies combined- neo-liberalism, welfarism and social reforms. In this regard, these papers change not only the nature of sports as a selfish expression of a person’s desire for glory and prestige but it becomes arena wherein the an integrated, disciplined, autonomous person is being developed whose sense of self is not removed from the community but is being fostered in the community itself. Increased prosperity: Increasing skills, employment and economic prosperity through sports(2008) is a paper that helps policy maker understand how sports contribute to increase skills, employment and economic prosperity. The paper claims that in Nottingham alone the establishment of National Ice Rink created 250 jobs, there has been regeneration of old parks and increased in tourism. It is further claimed that in 2005/6 alone there has been an increased in sports tourism that amounted to government revenue reaching a high of £342 million. In Building communities: Developing, strong and cohesive communities through sport (2008), sports have been recognized as one of the major contributor in establishing, maintaining and sustaining social cohesion and social identity. Sports open the community who may be excluded from it whether intentionally or unintentionally, since in sports, everybody is treated and respected equally. This notion becomes more significant in Transforming Lives: Improving the life changes and focussing the energies of children and young people through sports (2008). As the paper dwells on how sports transform children’s lives; it creates the ground wherein children can still be children and have fun while developing their behaviour necessary in becoming abetter person and a good citizen in the future. While, Creating safer communities: Reducing anti-social behavior and the fear of crime through sport, concretely presents what happens the moment that children’s lives are transformed. Lastly, Healthier communities: Improving health and reducing health inequalities through sports (2008) attest to what is already scientifically proven that being physically fit helps in keeping good health but more importantly because it is a simple yet effective way in fighting the problem of health inequality. These papers are all not only by the political ideologies that connect but also because it is a vision - a vision of hope. Third, UK bid for Olympics 2012, is supported by international policies, neo- liberalism , globalisation, nation building and national pride. Though some see this as a venue for national prestige (see Allison, 2006), still UK sports’ policies are consistent not in aggrandisement of UK but in the utilisation of sports for the welfare and good of the majority. Though this may sound naive, but holding Olympics 2012 in UK is not only an affirmation of almost two decades of pro-sports and pro – people policies in sports but it is a testimony that sports regardless of its nature and history can unify and bring people together towards a common cause – good life, unity and peace while having fun. CONCLUSION Political ideologies have impact on modern sports because the policies which mark governmental involvement in sports are supported by ideologies. Political ideologies, policies, sports, power and politics are all interconnected in the modern period. Is it bad? It depends. Looking at the experience of UK government, though the ideologies may vary, what is significant is that it is geared towards enabling the people and providing them a healthier, safer and better communities while at the same time opening to the people more economic opportunities that will further enhance their chances in life, then political ideologies’ impact on sports is a welcome change. REFERENCES: Allison,L. (Ed). The global politics of sports.The role of global institutions in sports. London:Routledge. Bramham, P. (2008). ‘Sports policy’. In K. Hylton & P. Bramham (Eds) Sports Development: Policy, process and practice 2nd Ed (pp 10 – 41). New York: Routledge. Houlihan, B. (2002). ‘Politics, power, policy and sport’. In B. Houlihan (Ed) Sport and Society: A Student Introduction 2nd Ed (pp 33 – 55). London: Sage Publications Ltd. _________. (2008). ‘Politics and sports’. In J. Coakley & E. Dunning (Eds) Handbook of Sport Studies (pp 213- 227). London: Sage Publications Ltd. Guttmen, A. (2002). ‘The development of modern sports’. In J. Coakley & E. Dunning (Eds) Handbook of Sport Studies (pp 248- 260). London: Sage Publications Ltd. Loy, J.W. & Booth, D. (2002). ‘Functionalism, sports and society’. . In J. Coakley & E. Dunning (Eds) Handbook of Sport Studies (pp 8- 27). London: Sage Publications Ltd. Polley, M. (2008). ‘History and sport’. In B. Houlihan (Ed) Sport and Society: A Student Introduction 2nd (pp 56 – 73). London: Sage Publications Ltd. Shaping places through sports. (2008). Increased prosperity: Increasing skills, employment and economic prosperity through sports. Retrieved from www.sportsengland.org. Accessed on 5August 2010. _____________________. (2008). Healthier communities: Improving health and reducing health inequalities through sports. Retrieved from www.sportsengland.org. Accessed on 5August 2010. _____________________. (2008). Building communities: Developing, strong and cohesive communities through sport. Retrieved from www.sportsengland.org. Accessed on 5August 2010. _____________________. (2008). Transforming Lives: Improving the life changes and focusing the energies of children and young people through sports. Retrieved from www.sportsengland.org. Accessed on 5August 2010. _____________________. (2008). Creating safer communities: Reducing anti-social behaviorAnd the fear of crime through sport. Retrieved from www.sportsengland.org. Accessed on 5August 2010. Read More