Sport and ethno-racial formation: imagined distance in Fiji

Abstract

Significant research depicts the implications of sport's role in racial formation located mainly in the 'Global North'. Yet, there has been less attention afforded to the related role of sport in the 'Global South', particularly in divided societies, where the consequences of sports' influence on ethno-racial relations, are also significant. This study relies on empirical evidence gathered during an in-depth exploration into the role of soccer and rugby in Fijian intergroup relations. Sport is analysed as an arena that not only plays host to ethno-racial groupings but one which is also instrumental in their maintenance and reimagining. In Fiji at least, the organisation and positioning of sport in popular culture and discourse means that it becomes an emblematic sphere, active in the reconfirmation and preservation of ethno-racial division.Through this discussion, this study contributes to sport and racial formation theory, widening the gaze to diverse and divided socio-cultural settings.

Characteristics of Chinese Traditional Sports Culture: From the Standpoint of Chinese Traditional Culture

“…In the process of the formation of Chinese traditional culture, due to the suppression of the "chivalry" spiritual culture, a traditional culture combining "harmony," "modesty," and "focusing on thought, ignoring physique," which were the mainstream thoughts, was formed in China. These martial arts practitioners can be regarded as people from sports communities in ancient China [14] , but they were regarded as outlier by the mainstream culture, and the "chivalrous culture," which could be regarded as the original form of Chinese traditional sports culture, has been gradually erased from the history. Therefore, Chinese traditional sports culture had always been struggling with survival.…”