APA 1302 sports and politics

How is 'politics' defined in the context of governmental activities?

The means by which power is used to influence the nature and content of governmental activities.

What is the definition of 'government'?

The process of enacting policies and decisions on the part of officials within a political apparatus.

How is the 'state' defined as a political apparatus?

A political apparatus (e.g., courts, parliament, civil service) ruling over a given territory, whose authority is backed by the legal system and the capacity to use force.

What is the difference between 'power' and 'authority'?

Power is the ability to influence others despite opposition, while authority is power that comes with a recognized, legitimate status or office.

What were the two primary arguments used by the 'Voices for Democracy' coalition against the Edmonton stadium?

The use of public funds for private business and the negative impact on the downtown core, specifically gentrification and displacement of the vulnerable.

List three reasons why governments maintain connections with sports.

To safeguard public order, maintain health and fitness, and promote the prestige and power of a community or nation.

What are three additional reasons for the government-sport connection?

To promote a sense of identity and unity, reproduce dominant values and ideologies, and increase support for political leaders.

In what ways do governments use their power to safeguard public order in sports?

By regulating which sports are legal, how they are organized, who has the right to play, where they are played, and access to public facilities.

How has the justification for government support of sports for 'health and fitness' changed recently?

It has shifted away from the belief that sports directly reduce medical costs, acknowledging that illness is often linked to environmental factors rather than worker fitness.

Why do governments believe that success in sports promotes prestige and power?

They believe that success provides recognition and status, whether through international success for national teams or publicity for local communities.

When do governments most frequently use sports to promote identity and unity?

When constituents are diverse or when the society is experiencing rapid and widespread change.

What is a critical limitation of using sports to build national unity?

Sport-based unity is often temporary, superficial, and fails to change the realities of everyday inequalities or divisive differences.

What is the concept of 'invented traditions' in the context of sports?

Sports are often used to reaffirm ties to 'imagined communities' through rituals and traditions that promote a sense of belonging.

How do sports reinforce dominant ideologies in market economies?

They promote values like discipline, loyalty, competition, and individualism, suggesting that success is purely a result of hard work.

What is the ideological danger of linking success in sports to individual effort?

It can lead to the belief that if you do not succeed, it is solely because you did not try hard enough, ignoring systemic barriers.

What is the role of the state in contemporary society regarding sports?

The state acts as a regulator, promoter, and facilitator, using sports to achieve political, economic, and social objectives.

How does the textbook describe the relationship between politics and sport?

Sport is a domain shaped by societal power relations, where political actors influence the development and use of sports facilities and programs.

Why might governments promote economic development through sports?

To stimulate local economies, attract investment, and create infrastructure, often through projects like stadium construction.

What is the connection between sports and neoliberalism?

Sports often emphasize individual responsibility and competition, which aligns with neoliberal ideologies that prioritize market-based solutions over social welfare.

How does the state use sports to increase support for political leaders?

By associating the government with successful teams or events, leaders can gain popularity and demonstrate their effectiveness to the public.

What does the 'Voices for Democracy' case study illustrate about the state?

It illustrates the clash of power between social actors and the state, highlighting how public resources are contested in the development of sports infrastructure.

What is the stated goal of cities bidding on and hosting major sport events?

To bring new revenues into the city as a whole.

Who are often the primary recipients of economic benefits from major sport events?

Special interest groups, despite public sponsorship being justified as a common economic good.

What is a major condition for sport mega events to have cultural value?

Stereotypes must be minimized and national histories must not be distorted.

What is the primary challenge in determining the economic value of hosting mega sporting events?

It is difficult to measure how profitable they truly are, as profit involves more than just simple revenue generation.

What characteristics define the most profitable Olympic Games?

They generate more revenue than they spend and successfully invest in infrastructure, economic, and community development.

What was the key economic strategy of the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics?

The city reused existing stadiums and university facilities instead of building new ones, relying on corporate sponsorships and broadcast deals.

What was the lasting impact of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics surplus?

The surplus funded the LA84 Foundation, which continues to support youth sport programs today.

What is the 'Barcelona model' of Olympic planning?

Integrating Olympic investments into a larger city redevelopment strategy, such as redeveloping waterfronts and improving public transportation.

Which Olympic Games are cited as an example of an economic disaster due to high costs?

The 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, which cost an estimated $50-55 billion USD.

Why does government involvement in sports often favor elite sports?

Elite sport representatives are typically more organized and possess the resources necessary for effective political lobbying.

How can international sports act as tools of cultural imperialism?

Events and conditions in international sports often favor the interests of powerful nations over poorer ones.

What role do wealthy nations play in the participation of poorer nations in global sport events?

Poorer nations often depend on financial or structural assistance from wealthy nations to participate.

How do transnational corporations influence modern international sports?

They join with nation-states in global power relations and use sports to fuse their corporate interests with national and local symbols.

What is replacing patriotism in the way some people identify with athletes and teams?

Consumerism.

Why is it important to research global sport trends at both global and local levels?

It helps researchers understand local expressions of and responses to global processes.

List four political processes that revolve around organized sports.

Defining what qualifies as a sport, establishing rules, enforcing rules, and organizing/controlling events.

What are two additional political factors in organized sports regarding participation and rewards?

Determining eligibility to participate and deciding how rewards are distributed.

What is the primary argument for directing government funding toward elite sports?

Proponents argue that international success builds national unity, promotes nationalism, and helps define national identity.

What is a potential alternative focus for government sport funding besides elite sports?

Mass participation, which could potentially address public health concerns.

What is the ultimate goal of studying politics and political processes in sports?

To ensure that these processes are fair and just.

How did the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics change future Olympic planning?

It established a new model for private sponsorship and cost control.

What was the long-term benefit of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics for the city?

The city became one of Europe's top tourist destinations due to improved infrastructure and waterfront redevelopment.

What critical question should be asked regarding government support for sports?

Does government support foster the interests of some people more than others?