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| Winter 1999-2000 issue | . | A kick for democracy | |
LINKS: Anthropology at Notre Dame World Cup soccer
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 Traditionally, political scientists have cited an educated electorate and a
stable economy as conditions favoring democracy. It may be time to add to that list
"a winning soccer team."Notre Dame cultural anthropologist Roberto DaMatta argues that -- in the case of Brazil, at least -- soccer has served as a powerful force for democratic integration. The native Brazilian and one-time soccer commentator says soccer has reinforced important democratic cultural values." In soccer, just as in constitutional democracy, there is an important distinction between the rule, the ruler [referee] and those ruled [the players]," he says. "It's not the Middle Ages when the king ruled by whim." "It doesn't matter if you are rich, poor, black or white," the Joyce Professor of Anthropology adds, "everybody must play by the rules. This is especially important in a country whose masses have been defeated by poverty and totalitarian governments that have cheated them." DaMatta also argues that spectator sports help establish collective identity. "When Brazil became a powerhouse in World Cup soccer that was fundamental in making Brazilians believe in Brazil, in raising national self-esteem. You can't have a great country unless people believe in it," he says."Victories over nations like England and Germany gave Brazilians the insight that if they can be excellent in soccer, they can be excellent in other areas as well." -- John Monczunski |
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