Theory of Marxism and Sports

The paper that is about to be presented is about how a theory invented by Karl Marx can intertwine with sports as we know it. The Marxist theory mainly affects how people

can participate in different sports depending on their class status. In the first two paragraphs, the paper will describe the basic intentions of the Marxist Theory and its background. The next two paragraphs will explain how the the theory and spoats coincide.

The Marxist theory is used all over the world. In fact, it is used moer than any other social theory. His thoughts have been used for for diffent political, military, and academic views and studies. Karl marx lived from 1813-1883 in Germany.

His theory covers the culture, politics, economics and industrialization of his time. He called the leading role of the social parts of each individual societies superstructures. In Marx’s eyes there were two classes: The Bourgeoisie and the Proletariat. The upper class, more wealthy, Bourgeoisie, had the smaller more powerful aristocratic class. On the other hand, the Proletariat are less skilled lower class workers that are the majority. Do to the separation of these two classes the Bourgeoisie own all the means of production and have the rights to all the riches. They have the power to influence there thoughts and beliefs in society because of their economic and social dominance (Rigauer, 2000).

The Marixst theory is set up on economic factors and puts to much considertion on

them. According to Marx he thinks money is everything within society and social life. Marxism tries to identify which sports are accessible to whom. A recent example: in contemporary British society class differences regarding participation rates in different sports can be found. The higher the social class, the more likely the individual is to be more active and to attend a sports event. The explanation therefore: a lack of resources in finances and availability of those in the working class.

Affected sports are walking, jogging, swimming, weight-lifting, snooker and soccer. Even though polo, golf, and equitation were not listed in the research, those sports should be regarded also, even if they are considered upper-class sports. This is very hard though because equipment and availability for the working class is limited due to lack of resources, especially financially. A Marxist focuses on the distribution of power in sport: Who has the power and why? Inequality can again be identified. Sport is determined and shaped by the economic system in the powerful Bourgeoisie and again promotes the interest of those: increasing capital, maintaining power and privileges (Abercrombie et al, 2000).

A very recent example of money and its impact on sports is

The England and Wales Cricket Board’s decision to send its players to a World Cup match in Zimbabwe in 2003, regardless of political concerns due to the dictatorship of President Mugabe and the possible propaganda impact the match might have Fearing a severe financial penalty in the forms of lost

sponsorship, the monetary aspect proved to powerful for them to

decline a match of such importance