Many people think of Sports as a source of enjoyment, but there are some real benefits to sports in society. For example, it can help build national pride. Many sports also have a lot of commercial value, and are marketed worldwide by transnational corporations. Sports have become a way to connect people and make them feel good.
Moreover, the globalization of sports is part of the larger process of globalization, which can be described as the creation of a global network of interdependencies. During the 20th century, we saw the emergence of a global economy, cosmopolitan cultures, and various international social movements. In addition, modern technology makes it possible for people, money, and images to travel faster. These interdependent patterns of globalization shaped the development of sports in the 21st century.
Psychological aspects of sports are important, as they affect the athlete’s self-evaluation and the evaluations of other people. Some feelings occur before a performance, while others arise during or after the event. These emotions are often guided by a specific subculture that relates to the sport. There are often “feeling rules” to guide athletes’ behavior during pre and post-performance rituals, such as the national anthem and postgame victory celebrations.
The mass media is another major contributor to the development of sports. With mass media coverage of sporting events, sports have been able to become a bona fide industry. Mass media coverage of sporting events helps create a massive cohort of fans and sponsors.