Glasgow 2014, the media and Scottish politics – the (post)imperial symbolism of the Commonwealth Games

WHIGHAM, Stuart and BLACK, Jack (2018). Glasgow 2014, the media and Scottish politics – the (post)imperial symbolism of the Commonwealth Games. The British Journal of Politics and International Relations., 20 (2), 360-378.

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Link to published version:: https://doi.org/10.1177/1369148117737279

Abstract

This article critically examines print media discourses regarding the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. The forthcoming analysis considers the political symbolism of the Commonwealth Games with regards to the interlinkages between the British Empire, sport and the global political status of the UK, with specific consideration given to the UK’s declining global power as well as the interconnections between the 2014 Games and the Scottish independence referendum. Hechter’s (1975) ‘internal colonialism’ thesis, which portrays Scotland’s marginalised status within the UK, is drawn upon to critically explore the political symbolism of sport for Scottish nationalism, before discussion focuses upon the extent to which the modern Commonwealth is symptomatic of the UK’s declining status as a global power. Finally, the existence of these narrative tropes in print media coverage of the Commonwealth Games is examined, allowing for critical reflections on the continuing interconnections between the media, sport, nationalism and post-imperial global politics.

Item Type: Article
Research Institute, Centre or Group - Does NOT include content added after October 2018: Centre for Sport and Exercise Science
Sociology, Politics and Policy Research Group
Urban and Regional Studies
Departments - Does NOT include content added after October 2018: Faculty of Science, Technology and Arts > Department of Media Arts and Communication
Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities > Department of Psychology, Sociology and Politics
Health and Well-being > Department of Sport
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1177/1369148117737279
Page Range: 360-378
Depositing User: Jack Black
Date Deposited: 11 Oct 2017 10:56
Last Modified: 18 Mar 2021 15:19
URI: https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/16875

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