The Socialising Function of Sport in the Process of Civilisation

Abstract

Problem statement: The development of sport is certainly one of the great cultural and especially civilising achievements in the history of mankind. Particularly due to its socialising function, sport plays a significant role in the context of civilising processes. Approach: Sport as a mass phenomenon also offers the possibility of exploiting and abusing the general public. Not too long ago, totalitarian systems and regimes used to take advantage of sport for their ideological means; whereas nowadays there certainly is the danger of exploitation due to massive economic interests, which are additionally fuelled and popularised by media networks. An important factor to act contrary to this alarming development and especially in top-class sport-would be to continue to strengthen the ego-functions of man, emphasise his autonomy and to always point out the uniqueness and singularity of his existence. Particularly a pluralistic/democratic and open form of society provides the opportunity to elucidate and counteract. Results: As sport represents-by its clearly defined rules (strict rules and regulations in each individual sport-laws of the game) and sanction mechanisms (through regulations) an ideal field of exerting social action, it can also train conformity to standards in sports. The resulting risks of success and situations of disappointment associated with sport can have a positive impact on each individual in the long term (ego identity, training the id-ego-superego). Sport can show here its socialising function and help develop the athletes’ solidarity. Conclusion/Recommendation: From today’s perspective and with increasingly scarce budgetary funds, sport with its claim to (construction) areas, locations for sports facilities and especially financial funds, is of course competing with other municipal fields of responsibility, such as hospital administration, education, social security, youth care and eldercare. Therefore, it will be a main task for all parties involved in this issue to continue securing the essential role of sport in a major city, particularly with regard to municipal challenges.