ABSTRACT

Contrary to the popular belief that sport is an arena largely free from the corrosive effects of racism, this book argues that racism is evident throughout British sport. From playing fields and boardrooms of sports organisations, to the offices of sports policy makers and the media, this book breaks new ground in showing how discourses of 'race' and nation continue to pervade our sporting life.
Looking at a range of sports, including football, rugby league and cricket, this book covers key topics such as:
* British nationalism and nationalist ideology
* racial science and the images of Asian and black physicality
* sport, racism and the law
* black feminism and the issues of race, gender and sport
* the role of the media in perpetuating and challenging racial stereotypes.
Challenging the prevailing liberal view that sport is one area of society where 'good race-relations' are developed, this book offers a wealth of research material, and a strong theoretical perspective on contemporary British sport. It will therefore be of vital interest to sociologists, sports studies students, sport policy-makers and anyone with an interest in contemporary British sport.

chapter 1|26 pages

Introduction: ‘Race’, sport and British society

‘Race’, sport and British society Introduction: ‘race’, sport and the changing discourses of racism

part |2 pages

PART I Research into current levels and forms of sports racism: Some empirical explorations

chapter 3|21 pages

Whose game is it anyway?

Racism in local league cricket

chapter 4|13 pages

‘Black Pearl, Black Diamonds’

Exploring racial identities in rugby league

chapter 5|20 pages

‘Lions and black skins’: Race, nation and local patriotism in football

Race, nation and local patriotism

part |2 pages

PART II Public controversies over ‘race’ and sport: Science, media and the law

part |2 pages

PART III Challenging discourses/Contesting identities

chapter 9|17 pages

Playing their own game: A South Asian football experience

ASouthAsian football experience Sanjiev Johal

chapter 11|11 pages

Notes from the sports desk

Reflections on race, class and gender in British sports journalism

chapter 12|18 pages

Pitch of life: Re-reading C.L.R. James’ Beyond a Boundary

Re-reading C.L.R. James’ Beyond Chris Searle