Pre-Industrial 1850

Social class

• different classes took part in different activities

• in cricket different classes had different role. the upper class would bat and the lower class would feel as it was more physically tiring

• social class affected access to sports

• the nature of some actives reflected the class

Gender

• activities were shaped by the expected behaviour of women. women seem as the weaker sex.

• some upper class women took part in archery

• lower participation in women

• different genders took part in different activities

• sports that were not aggressive/ competitive that didn’t require strength

• could only take part in ‘modest’ clothing

• women had less time as looking after the family

Law and order

• the lower classes were more involved in violent activities- reflected the lack of order in activities

• many sports had limited rules and regulations

• rules were localised

• nothing was illegal, including gambling and animal cruelty

Type and availability of transport

• horse and cart for upper class but poor road conditions. walking for lower class

• lower class had to play locally

• lower class sports could have leagues/ cups

• lower class sports didn’t have standardised rules

• upper class= opposite

• many upper class built sport facilities at home to avoid travelling on poor roads

• transport formed the basis of some sports

Availability of money

• upper class could afford sport requiring expensive equipment and specialised facilities or transport to get there

• Lower class= opposite= natural faculties + equipment

Availability of time

• lower class worked long hours; 75 hours a week. Upper class had lots of free time

• lower class had no time to participate due to long working hours

• lower class= no energy after long working hours

• could only participate on bank holidays which there were few of

• short activities

• upper class= opposite

Education and literacy

• working class would only play simple sports with limited rules

• working class had unwritten rules

• upper class= opposite