Historical Studies in Physical Education Urban/Industrial factors which influenced the development of Rational Sport

Urban Industrial factors which influenced the development of Rational Sport: Agrarian Revolution – name given to changes in agriculture in Britain in the 18th C. Open field system of strip farming replaced by larger enclosed fields (hedges and ditches). This took up area of land previously used for sporting activity, particularly field sports, e.g, hunting.

Post 1800 – effects of urbanisation: Urbanisation involved the movement en mass of people from rural areas and villages into towns and cities. This resulted in the development of towns and cities as major centres of population. There was a loss of jobs in agriculture as a result of the mechanisation process. In turn, new employment opportunities were created in the new factories.

The effects of urbanisation on sport: Decline in land available for sport to be played. Village community structure destroyed . Poor transport from towns to rural areas and lack of disposable income meant that most people could not travel for sport. Sport forms adapted to suit the industrial environment. Growth in spectator sports due to large populations. Longer working hours made opportunities for leisure difficult.

Factory owners and machines were in control of time. Low wages meant very little disposable income. Women and children were used for cheap labour. Workers were too tired for leisure, widespread disease and malnutrition also prevented participation. Leisure activities controlled by middle class with no leisure facilities for working class. No parks only pub games available. Street games made illegal.

The Industrial Revolution The cottage industry had tended to be a family run affair. The amount of work to be done determined the time spent at work. Machines began to control the amount of time spent at work. Workers toiled for 72hrs per wk 6 days per wk. Only Sunday spent away from work (rest – church) Little free time available for sport and recreation.

Improved Conditions of Work Saturday half day allowed afternoon sport. Shorter working week. Early closing movement by shop workers. Factory sponsored work teams and opening of factory facilities. Railways improved communications and transport. Increased wages meant more disposable income.

Influence on development of sport: Saturday half day allowed time and energy to develop man’s sport. Women’s sport declined because they were expected to look after the house and family. Shorter working week provided more daylight hours. Wed and Thurs early closing for shops. Standards of working class sport improved. Development of weekend sport football and cricket.

Increased Literacy and Printed Words: Literacy among the working classes was very limited until the advent of printing. The popular press developed. Pocket editions became available. Education was made compulsory for the working class. The sporting press became established.

Emergence of the urban middle class: This period of revolution saw the emergence of an urban middle class. This new middle class tried to copy the gentry but did not have as much spare time to participate in sporting activities and therefore had to rationalise the games. Wagering was frowned upon. The middle class did not want the lower class to be involved in their activities. Sport generally took place at the weekends – unless participants received expenses as amateurs.

Gender variables and female participation in sport: The new middle class had a protective attitude towards women. Women were not allowed to compete in sport. It was deemed unseemly for them to display themselves in public. Energetic behaviour/sweating was deemed unfeminine. Female participation took place in own private facilities, eg tennis in own back garden. Working class women had no organised sport.

Changes in opportunities for sport and holidays resulting from the development of the railways: The arrival of faster/easier travel and communications helped the growth of national sports. Spectator sports became more popular. Travel to coast was made easier. Day trips for the working classes.

Changing religious attitudes to respectable sport (muscular christian attitudes): Moral understanding could be achieved through sport and athletics. Sport was viewed as a form of social control. Establishment of church groups, most high profile being the YMCA. Sunday as a rest day which slowed the development of working class sport. Upper class who used their own facilities escaped this Sunday ban. Cycling, rambling and boating encouraged instead of other activities.

The influence of the YMCA: Religious organisation. Aimed at developing Christian character through group activities. Developed athleticism via churchmen/curates who had been to public schools and universities. Began in London in 1844 led by George Williams. Spread sport to the public/masses via urban city centres. Developed games of volleyball and basketball. Organised groups of weekend ramblers.

Social characteristics which influenced the rationalisation of sport and development of outdoor recreation: Upper Class: Pursued wide variety of sports and activities. Had preferred activities. Had plenty of time and money. Retained the exclusive rights to sports if it suited them.

Middle class Copied/developed the sports of the upper classes. Gave them amateur codes. Not as much time and money available. Women excluded from public competition.

Working class Mob sport – unruly and violent. Irregular. Fairs and festivals. Little spare time and money available. Social control. Factory sports facilities. Limited opportunities for women (came at a latter date). Lack of facilities led to the development of professional football.