Ritual Solidarity and Sport

Abstract

In this paper, attention is focussed on the nature of ritual as a form of expression through which the identities and values of sport groups may be revivified and sustained Ritual is, however, a condensed form of expression which is largely dependent upon a shared cultural context for its meaning and significance, and may, therefore, be weakened by the growth of special isation, diversity and individualism. Whilst it is accepted that these features of the division of labour are of general social significance, their impact on many sport groups appears to be limited to some extent by bonds of similitude generated by the sport groups themselves. In particular, it is argued that the intense and shared nature of the experience of many sport activities, the identities and values that are often associated with them, and common features of social composition, tend to generate shared cultural contexts and, therefore, condensed forms of expression, of which ritual remains a significant component.