|
|
The dominant line in Western scholarship argues that the emergence of modern sport in nineteenth century Europe was associated with the advent of capitalism, industrialization, urbanization, and the nation-state system. Hence, based on the ideas of regulation, disciplining the body, aesthetism, meritocracy, division of labor, bureaucratic organization, and rational measurement of performance, modern sport—particularly in its competitive form—constructed its meaning and value system in opposition to traditional physical practices. Accordingly, the acceptance of modern sport practice by native or colonized populations—which happened most of the time to the disadvantage of traditional games—was explained as a sign of their assimilation of modernist values, and thus, of the Western civilizational project.
Yet this linking of modern sport to Western secular and rational modernity has pushed physical activities that are attached to religious belief off to the domain of tradition. This dichotomy has created a crisis of meaning around the value of modern sport in different societies. The Muslim world is torn between its fascination with Western modernity—represented by the nation-state system, industrial advance, and information technology—and its struggle against Western colonial and neocolonial dominance. The world of sport has this same conflict. The Muslim world has, on the one hand, accepted modern sport as a symbol of modernization in Muslim societies and as a privileged tool for nation-state building. But on the other hand, many Muslims—particularly representatives of Islamist movements—are wary of modern sport as a symbol of secularism and a deviation from the authentic societal concerns of the Ummah (the nation of Muslim believers).
For free access to the archive, you must be a registered member of BJWA.org
Not a BJWA.org member yet?
Get Free Access
Register for BJWA.org
- Access our archive
- Receive reduced subscription offers & other deals
Registration is free and
only takes a minute! |
Already a BJWA.org member?
Log in now
|
|
