Chapter 1 Introduction Quote 1 Olympism is a

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Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter 1 Introduction

Quote 1 • Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a

Quote 1 • Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind. Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy of effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles. – The Olympic Charter (IOC, 2004: 9)

Quote 2 • The primary aim of the organisers of sports or Olympic competitions

Quote 2 • The primary aim of the organisers of sports or Olympic competitions is not sport for its own sake but sport for capitalist profit; or rather, their aim is capitalist profit through sport. – Jean-Marie Brohm (1978: 137)

The modern Olympic Games • Every 4 years (Olympiad) • Summer Games – 10,

The modern Olympic Games • Every 4 years (Olympiad) • Summer Games – 10, 000 athletes – 200 countries – 15, 000 accredited media • Winter Games – 2000 athletes – 70 countries

The Olympics as an object of study • Research literature – (see www. business.

The Olympics as an object of study • Research literature – (see www. business. uts. edu. au/olympic/downloads/olympic_bib_update 2. pdf) • Research centres – – – Lausanne, Ontario, Barcelona, Sydney, Loughborough • Journals – eg. Olympika • Courses in universities/Ph. Ds

Disciplinary perspectives • History – ancient and modern • Economics – costs, benefits, impacts

Disciplinary perspectives • History – ancient and modern • Economics – costs, benefits, impacts • Politics – prestige of nation states, ideology • Political economy – politics and economics eg. Marx • Sociology – gender, race, culture, media

Paradigms • Descriptive/pragmatic research – Filling gaps in the historical record – Debunking myths

Paradigms • Descriptive/pragmatic research – Filling gaps in the historical record – Debunking myths – Thematic issues • Critical paradigm – – – Neo-Marxist Feminist Environmental Communitarian Ethnic/cultural • Managerialist paradigm – Evaluative – legacy, costs, benefits – Reformist – esp. re International Olympic Committee

Olympics: more than a sporting event • A cultural, political and economic event •

Olympics: more than a sporting event • A cultural, political and economic event • Promulgation of ‘Olympism’ – a philosophy/ way of life • Olympic ‘values’ vs reality • Ancient and 19 th century ‘trappings’ • Public ‘ownership’ • Promotion of world peace?

Structure of the book/course 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Structure of the book/course 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Introduction Ancient history Revival The Modern Olympic phenomenon Politics Economics and finance Media Doping Women Case-studies • Barcelona, Atlanta, Sydney, Athens, Beijing, London 11. Future of the Games