Sports are a form of entertainment and an important part of the life of individuals. Some athletes, because of their performance and their personality, succeed in gaining public attention and have the opportunity to launch a second career that can also be related to their sporting activities.
A clear definition of sports is important for understanding their social and cultural implications. In general, sport refers to any activity involving psycho-physical effort and that has a recreational intent.
Emotions in Sports
Athletes feel a wide range of emotions during their performance, such as fear or anxiety. These feelings are usually directed toward their own self-evaluation or perception of other people’s evaluations and expectations.
National Identity in Sports
Sport has long been used to solidify, develop, and refine a nation’s sense of identity. Through national flags, anthems, ceremonies, and invented traditions, sports contribute to the development of national pride and a sense of belonging in a nation’s history and society.
The Globalization of Sports
In addition to their cultural, economic, and political roles, sports also play an important role in the globalization of societies. As they travel and compete in international competition, they are influenced by the complex networks of interdependencies that mark the world’s economic, social, and political order.
In many cases, the emergence and spread of modern sports reflects the interwoven economic, political, and cultural patterns of globalization. In particular, the hegemonic dominance of Western nations has been responsible for the development of modern sports and their global diffusion.