A-Level OCR PE Socio-Cultural Evolution and Emergence of Modern Day Sport

Social Class (Pre-Industrial)

Peasants played mob football, smock racing and bare-knuckle fighting. Gentry and aristocracy played real tennis, fox hunting and archery. Sports reflected social status and class divisions were very clear.

Social Class (Post-1850)

Industrialisation created a middle class. Different classes played different sports, with working-class professionals and middle/upper-class amateurs. Saturday half-days and factory teams increased working-class participation.

Social Class (20th Century)

Class divisions became less obvious but still influenced opportunities and choice of sport. Professionalism was mainly associated with the working class, while some sports remained amateur.

Social Class (21st Century)

Social classes are less fixed and social mobility is greater. Some sports remain associated with particular classes due to cost and exclusivity. Sport can provide a route to social mobility.

Gender (Pre-Industrial)

Women had limited rights and were expected to fulfil domestic roles. Participation was low, with only a few acceptable activities such as archery and smock racing.

Gender (Post-1850)

Women's opportunities gradually increased with improvements in education and employment. Cycling and lawn tennis became acceptable because they were seen as feminine and non-strenuous.

Gender (20th Century)

Female participation increased but remained lower than men's. Women's sport lacked professionalism, funding, spectators and media coverage. Discrimination remained common.

Gender (21st Century)

Women's participation, professionalism and media coverage have increased significantly. Greater gender equality exists, although inequalities remain in some sports and prize money.

Law and Order (Pre-Industrial)

Little law enforcement existed. Sports had local rules and activities involving gambling, violence and animal cruelty were common.

Law and Order (Post-1850)

The police force was established and laws became stricter. Violent and cruel activities were banned, gambling was controlled and sports became more organised.

Law and Order (20th Century)

Sports became fully codified through governing bodies. Rules were standardised and adapted to reduce violence and improve organisation.

Law and Order (21st Century)

Sport is heavily regulated with laws covering violence, discrimination and match-fixing. Equality legislation has improved opportunities for all groups.

Education and Literacy (Pre-Industrial)

Education was mainly available to upper-class boys. Lower classes were often illiterate and played simple sports with unwritten rules.

Education and Literacy (Post-1850)

State education expanded through the 1870 Education Act. More people gained access to sport and participation increased among the working class.

Education and Literacy (20th Century)

The 1944 Education Act made PE compulsory. School sport expanded significantly and participation increased.

Education and Literacy (21st Century)

PE remains compulsory and a wide range of sports qualifications are available. Schools continue to provide sporting opportunities, although private schools often offer more.

Availability of Time (Pre-Industrial)

Working-class people worked around 75 hours per week and had little leisure time. Participation was mainly limited to festivals and holy days.

Availability of Time (Post-1850)

Working hours gradually decreased and Saturday half-days were introduced. Factory teams and bank holidays provided more opportunities to participate.

Availability of Time (20th Century)

Shorter working weeks and paid holidays increased leisure time, leading to greater participation and spectatorship.

Availability of Time (21st Century)

Flexible working arrangements and technology have increased leisure opportunities, allowing more people to take part in sport.

Availability of Money (Pre-Industrial)

Upper classes had disposable income and could afford equipment, facilities and transport. Lower classes used natural facilities and simple equipment.

Availability of Money (Post-1850)

Working-class people still had limited disposable income, but professionalism and paid holidays gradually improved access to sport.

Availability of Money (20th Century)

Rising incomes and public facilities increased participation, although money still influenced access to certain sports.

Availability of Money (21st Century)

Economic factors continue to affect participation. Rising costs and recessions can reduce spending on sport and attendance at events.

Professionalism and Amateurism (Pre-Industrial)

Upper-class amateurs played for enjoyment, while lower-class professionals were paid. In cricket, amateurs often batted while professionals bowled and fielded.

Professionalism and Amateurism (Post-1850)

Professionalism expanded as working-class players received payment. Tensions between amateurs and professionals contributed to the split between rugby union and rugby league.

Professionalism and Amateurism (20th Century)

Professional sport grew significantly in football, rugby and cricket. Increased spectatorship and entry fees enabled clubs to pay players.

Professionalism and Amateurism (21st Century)

Professional athletes come from all social classes. Professionalism has high status and opportunities for women in professional sport continue to grow.

Transport (Pre-Industrial)

Most people walked and roads were poor. Sport was localised with few competitions, leagues or standardised rules.

Transport (Post-1850)

Railways, steam trains, trams and buses improved travel. This allowed regular fixtures, national competitions and increased participation.

Transport (20th Century)

Cars and improved public transport increased accessibility. More leagues, competitions and spectators became possible.

Transport (21st Century)

Widespread car ownership and public transport make sport more accessible. International competitions and spectator travel are easier than ever.