| Abstrakt: |
This article provides an overview of the history and importance of sports in Australian culture. It emphasizes the significant role that sports play in shaping Australian popular culture and national identity, as well as their economic contribution. The article acknowledges the development of impressive sporting arenas and the presence of statues honoring sporting heroes. It also addresses the role of sports in fostering social cohesion and national identity, especially in the absence of a shared history or religion. The article recognizes the historical exclusion of Indigenous people from mainstream sports and the subsequent efforts to include them. It highlights the success of Australian cricket teams in the late 19th century as a symbol of national cooperation and achievement. The concept of "sportive nationalism" is introduced, which links sporting success with national pride. The article acknowledges criticisms of Australian sporting culture, particularly in relation to male sports, but notes the positive growth and acceptance of women's team sports. It concludes by discussing the limited academic attention given to Australian sport history and the importance of teaching and researching this topic. [Extracted from the article] |
