E-Book Overview
Sport and nationalism are arguably two of the most emotional issues in the modern world. Both inspire intense devotion and frequently lead to violence. In this book, Alan Bairner discusses the relationship between sport and national identities in Europe and North America—specifically Ireland, Scotland, Sweden, the United States, and Canada—within the context of a broader theoretical debate about the impact of globalization in the modern era. Through a unique comparative perspective, the author sheds new light on the ways sport impacts the construction and reproduction of national identities. Ultimately, the work considers the role of sport in allowing nations and nationalists to resist, or at least come to terms with, powerful globalizing pressures.
E-Book Content
Sport, Nationalism, and Globalization
SUNY
N ATIONAL I DENTITIES Thomas M. Wilson, editor
SERIES IN
Alan Bairner
Sport, Nationalism, and Globalization EUROPEAN AND NORTH AMERICAN PERSPECTIVES
STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK PRESS
Cover photo: PhotoDisc
Published by State University of New York Press, Albany © 2001 State University of New York All rights reserved Printed in the United States of America No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission. No part of this book may be stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means including electronic, electrostatic, magnetic tape, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior permission in writing of the publisher. For information, address State University of New York Press, 90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany, NY 12207 Production by Judith Block Marketing by Anne M. Valentine Composition by Doric Lay Publishers Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Bairner, Alan. Sport, nationalism, and globalization : European and North American perspectives / Alan Bairner. p. cm. — (SUNY series in national identities) Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 0-7914-4911-4 (alk. paper) — ISBN 0-7914-4912-2 (pbk. : alk. paper) 1. Nationalism and sports—North America. 2. Nationalism and sports— Europe. I. Title. II. Series. GV706.34 .B25 2001 306.4⬘83⬘094—dc21 00-032980
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In memory of my parents SANDY BAIRNER (1917–1993) RETA BARCLAY (1917–1991)
contents
Introduction
One National Identity, Globalization, and Sport
xi
1
Sport, Nationalism, and Nationality, 1 Nation, Nationalism, and Nationality, 2 National Identity and Globalization, 6 Globalization and Sport, 11 Nationalism: Resistance to Globalization and Sport, 16 Sporting Nationalism, 17
Two British Nationalism or Ulster Nationalism? Sport and the Protestants of Northern Ireland
21
Politics and Society in Northern Ireland, 21 Globalization in Northern Ireland, 25 Britain and the Origins of Sport in Modern Ireland, 26 Sport in Modern Ireland, 28 Sport and Ulster Unionism, 30 Ulster Unionism, National Identity, and Constitutional Change? 41
Three “We Are the England Haters!” Sport and National Identity in Scotland
45
Scotland, Sport, and Nationhood, 45 Scotland the Nation! 48 vii
viii
CONTENTS
Scottish National Identity, 50 Scotland: The Sporting Nation, 52 Soccer and the Scots, 53 Shinty: The National Game? 60 Golf: Scotland’s Gift to the World? 62 Rugby and the Flower of Scotland, 63 Sport and Scottish National Identity, 64 Globalization and Scottish Sport, 67
Four National Identity and International Recognition: Sport and the Development of Irish Nationalism
69
Ireland, Nation, and Nationality, 69 Sport, Empire, and Ireland, 71 Sporting Nationalism and the Gaelic Athletic Association, 72 Sporting Nationalism