The world through soccer : the cultural impact of a global sport / Tamir Bar-On.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Bar-On, Tamir, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Soccer--Social aspects.

Soccer.

Sports and globalization.

Physical Description:

xxiii, 307 pages ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Lanham, Maryland : Rowman & Littlefield, [2014]

Summary:

As the world's most popular sport, soccer is a global and cultural phenomenon. The television audience for the 2010 World Cup included nearly half of the world's population, with viewers in almost every country. The sport affects countless aspects of the world's culture, from politics and religion to business and the arts. In The World through Soccer: The Cultural Impact of a Global Sport, Tamir Bar-On examines how soccer both influences and reflects worldwide politics, religion, ethics, marketing, business, leadership, philosophy, and the arts. Each chapter features representative players, providing specific examples of how soccer comments on and informs our lives. These players-selected from a wide array of eras, countries, and backgrounds-include Diego Maradona, Pele, Hugo Sánchez, Cha Bum-Kun, Roger Milla, José Luis Chilavert, Zinedlne Zidane, Paolo Maldini, Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi, Neymar, Clint Dempsey, and Mia Hamm. Employing a unique lens to view a variety of topics, The World through Soccer reveals the sport's profound cultural impact. Combining philosophical, popular, and academic insights about our world, this book is aimed at both soccer fans and academics, offering readers a new perspective into a sport that affects millions. Book jacket.

Contents:

1 Saving the Nation: Soccer and National Identity 1

2 "Believe, Obey, and Fight": Soccer and Dictators 23

3 Winning Hearts and Minds: Soccer, Ideological Hegemony, and "Class Warfare" 39

4 "One Ball Can Change the World": Soccer and Social Change 61

5 Gods and Their Shrines: Soccer as a Pagan Religion 83

6 Playing Fair: Soccer and Ethics 99

7 The Business of Business: Soccer, Business, and Marketing 119

8 Leading by Example: Soccer as a Leadership Opportunity 143

9 Dreaming of Wembley or Anfield: Soccer, Dreams, and Childhood 167

10 Immortal Heroes?: Soccer and the Meaning of Life 185

11 The Pitch as Canvas and Player as Artist: Soccer and Fine Arts 211.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9781442234734

1442234733

OCLC:

867001190