Globalisation and the Effect on Sport

The rapid development of the globe over the past century has resulted in unbelievable changes, which have had a dramatic effect on all aspects of society. This exponential growth of society has been a result of the progression of globalization. Globalisation has had a profound effect on sport across the globe resulting in significant changes. Globalisation has enabled sport to bridge cultural differences and unite nations with pride. The reduction in trade barriers and advancement of technologies has resulted in the broadcasting of sporting events grow drastically enabling sports to reach all corners of the globe. The advancement of globalisation has also arguably had some detrimental effects to the core values of sport. The commercialisation due to the media and sponsors has had a significant effect on sporting events and the evident international trade of athletes can be seen to have an underlying detrimental effect.

The idea of globalisation has been evident in society for over 150 years, with its themes being presented by philosophers Marx and Engels. The political philosophers express the rapid change and uncertainty of society as a “constant revolutionising of production, uninterrupted disturbance of all social conditions, everlasting uncertainty and agitation” (Wood, B, 2008 pg 3). Global supply chains become have become integrated, which was described as ‘the need of a constantly expanding market for its products chase the bourgeoisie over the whole surface of the globe. It must nestle everywhere, settle everywhere and establish connections everywhere” (Wood, B, 2008 pg 4). The final dominant theme of globalisation is the spread of cultures throughout all nations, explained “and as in material, so also intellectual production. The intellectual creations of individual nations become common property” (Wood, B, 2008 pg 4).

Globalisation substantially flourished after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the development of the Internet. Globalisation has...