Option theme 1: The game of sport and politics

In this theme, sport is explored as a powerful means of creating collective political and social identity. Sport is embedded within the local and national cultural character and has a strong influence on social and political behaviour. The physical games played in sport do not exist in isolation, but rather are influenced by political and social perspectives.

The four inquiry questions are:

1. How far can politics and sport be separated?
2. To what extent can sport be a powerful catalyst for political change?
3. Can gender politics create equality in sport?
4. Should Australian sport be independent of political influence?

In addressing inquiry question 1: ‘How far can politics and sport be separated?’, students may consider:

• political identity and sport
• soft power and the economics of sport
• sports personalities as politicians
• sporting nationalism on the international stage. 

Students may explore how sport becomes a powerful means of displaying a nation’s achievements, values, and identity. They investigate the concept of soft power and how sport for diplomatic purposes is applied in international relations. Intertwined in the world of sport is the concept of nationalism, which may involve political goals, the ethos of sport, national pride, solidarity, rivalry, and violence. Students examine how politicians use sport to endear themselves to the public, and consider the impact that this has on domestic politics and foreign affairs. Students explore the revitalisation of activism in sport, such as when sporting personalities become politicians.

In addressing inquiry question 2: ‘To what extent can sport be a powerful catalyst for political change?’, students may consider:

• sporting diplomacy in international relations
• political protests
• sport as a unifying political force
• case studies of politics in sport.

Students may explore the power of sporting diplomacy and how, through collaboration among nations, national interests are advanced. They examine how sporting diplomacy empowers a nation’s sport to be represented globally and also builds links with other nations to maximise trade, tourism, and investment opportunities. Students analyse how sport becomes a platform for athletes to articulate their ideas related to race, gender, money, faith, and nationality. In addition, they explore how sport can be a unifying tool for peace in the world, as it promotes universal values that transcend language and culture.

In addressing inquiry question 3: ‘Can gender politics create equality in sport?’, students may consider:

• feminism in sport and political change
• pay-gap debates in professional sport
• gender inequality in media coverage of sport
• LGBTQIA+ athletes and equality in sporting competitions.

Students analyse socially constructed terms such as sexism, discrimination, and regulation. Students engage with the idea of equality in a sport in which fairer pay and better treatment are advocated. They explore how females in sport are underrepresented in the media relative to males, and examine the idea that male athletes are more marketable. Students examine the implications of sexism in sport on gender stereotypes.

In addressing inquiry question 4: ‘Should Australian sport be independent of political influence?’, students may consider:

• the role of sport in Australian society
• sport as a political platform
• government funding of sport
• sport in education.

Students may explore how sport enables the creation of a distinct Australian identity that demonstrates national values such as mateship, ‘having a go’, fair play, and egalitarianism. Sport may be seen as a metaphor for an Australian society that demonstrates the concepts of equality, dignity, and inclusiveness. Students examine how sport becomes a powerful political platform — where both political and social activism can strengthen and unify communities and nations — or can become a point of contention that promotes division and conflict. Students analyse the role of government funding and support programs in promoting physical activity and international sporting competitiveness.