Sport in Australian history

Australians are often said to be obsessed with sport, and playing and watching sport have long been regarded as national pastimes.

Sport in Australian History is an innovative and exciting study of the political, economic, social, and cultural role that sport has played in Australia since European settlement.

The authors investigate many of the myths surrounding the place of sport in Australian culture.

They demonstrate that, although Australians are far from unique in their fascination with sport, a historical study of their involvement - both as participants and spectators - can nevertheless tell us a great deal about Australian society.

Indeed, in many respects, sport can be viewed as a microcosm of wider society, reflecting, for example, attitudes to violence and gender relations.

Taking a thematic approach, the authors dwell on the values, ideas, and myths that have shaped the nations sporting culture over time.The book focuses on issues such as the sports industry; the place of women; the participation of groups not traditionally involved in mainstream Australian sport (such as Aborigines, the disabled, ethnic groups, and the aged); the influence of science and technology; and controversial topics such as violence, drugs, corruption, the law, and the role of childrens sport.

Readers interested in sport, culture, recreation, and history will find much to enjoy in this challenging and thought-provoking book.