Sociology 2191A/B Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Chariot Racing, Warrior Sports, Upper Class
20 Mar 2016
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People with the most power have the greatest impact on how sports are defined/organized/played. Olympia chosen because of its ties with the gods and myths -- zeus. Women banned at the olympics gender exclusion: they held their own games dedicated to hera. Because the males were so specialized they made poor soldiers. Different from sport today because: grounded in religion, lacked complex administrative structure, no measurements/ records kept. Similar because: reproduced dominant patterns of social relations. Gladiatorial combat + chariot races (most popular) When the spectators became bored the emperor would pass out food to prevent riots: this allowed the emperors to celebrate themselves and their power, diversion of the masses. Animal fights and gladiator fights both entertained people as well as disposed of socially undesirable people. Criticized as being tasteless because wealthy people mingled with the poor -- not because of moral reasons. Folk games played by peasants -- violent and dangerous.
