The Impact of British Sporting Achievements on National Pride

What is it about?

The study investigates the connection between elite sport performance and ‘sportive nationalism’ in Great Britain. Sportive nationalism is a form of national pride in the sporting achievements of a nation’s elite athletes. The sample size was around 10,000 adults. The results showed that sportive nationalism was low and less significant compared withto other factors such as the British countryside, history, and the National Health Service. The study found that certain population segments were more inclined to be sportive nationalists, such as those who participated in sport or followed it online. The study also found that changes in sportive nationalism were related to the performances of British athletes and teams, but these were temporary. The implications of the study suggest is that there is limited evidence to justify government investment in elite sport on the grounds of success generating national pride. The study provides greater granularity and association between sportive nationalism and sporting performance in international competitions than previous research.

Featured Image

Photo by James Giddins on Unsplash

Photo by James Giddins on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This research is important because it investigates the relationship between elite sport performance and sportive nationalism in Great Britain, providing valuable insights into how national pride is formed and the role that sporting achievements play in it. The findings challenge the belief that investment in elite sport generates national pride, as the prevalence of sportive nationalism is shown to be low and temporary. Changes in sportive nationalism are associated with the performances of British athletes and teams and can be negative as well as positive. The research also highlights the need for policymakers to consider a wide range of factors that contribute to national pride, as the study shows that sportive nationalism is just one of many factors that make people proud of their country. Key Takeaways: 1. Sportive nationalism was shown by only a small minority of the sample and was typically of a lesser magnitude compared with other more stable factors such as the British countryside, its history and the National Health Service. 2. Certain population segments were more inclined to be sportive nationalists such as those who participated in sport or followed it online. 3. Changes in sportive nationalism were seen to coincide with the successes and performances of British athletes and teams, albeit these were temporary in nature. 4. The study provides limited evidence to justify government investment in elite sport on the grounds of success generating national pride.