ABSTRACT
The present chapter examines the influence of social, cultural, political and economic transformations on sport in Spain and Portugal since the 1970s from a socio-historical perspective. It addresses the process of the expansion of the practice of sport in Spanish and Portuguese society through the educational system, municipal sporting policies and organised sport (clubs and federations). In addition, it critically analyses the changes produced in the sporting system in both countries, focusing on certain historical, legislative and political events. It also looks at how the sporting phenomenon has impacted popular culture in both countries. Lastly, the consolidation of a hegemonic sporting model, characterised by the global marketing of so-called ‘sporting spectacles’ with their attendant ‘sports heroes’, is also examined. The analysis is based on official statistics and data regarding sport in Spain and Portugal, generated by the relevant public bodies, as well as from other sources, such as civic, neighbourhood and sporting associations.
