Sport as a Male Preserve: Notes on the Social Sources of Masculine Identity and its Transformations

An approach to machismo derived from the work of Norbert Elias (The Civilizing Process [see IRPS No. 16/c00199 & c00200]), emphasizing the development of the state's monopoly of force as a social variable, is applied to M power & masculine identity in an examination of sport. The historical development of combat sports is traced from the Middle Ages. A case study of rugby illustrates the nature of masculine identity. Mockery of women & of homosexual men is an important theme in this subculture. Hooligan violence during matches also serves to maintain a M subculture of violence. However, rugby channels violence into a socially acceptable channel, while hooliganism does not; SC differences between rugby players & football hooligans may account for differences of attitude & behavior. 21 References. W. H. Stoddard