Globalization has affected many areas of human activity, including sports. It has created global networks of interdependencies. This process of globalization brought about a global economy, transnational cosmopolitan culture, and a variety of international social movements. It has also increased the speed of movement of people, money, and images. Globalization has significantly affected the development of sports.
Athletes’ feelings are a significant aspect of the sporting experience. They reflect the way they think about their own performance, and their perception of how others view them. Some of these emotions are induced prior to performance, while others arise during the activity itself. The subculture surrounding sport helps athletes manage their emotions by setting “feeling rules” that govern appropriate behaviour. These rules can range from behaviour during the national anthem to postgame victory celebrations.
Sports are an important part of many cultures. Each culture has its own definition of what sports are. However, the most useful definitions emphasize the distinction between play and sport. Play is the opposite of work and has its own purpose and goals. It is voluntary, and is often not paid work. It is also not a part of professional sports.
The importance of sports is increasingly recognized. Despite the economic value of the Olympics, many spectators consider it a form of media manipulation. Commercial television networks, for example, frequently interrupt sporting coverage with advertisements, which can be problematic.