The Impact of British Sporting Achievements on National Pride among Adults in England

Research question: Our study investigates the relationship between elite sport performance and sportive nationalism in Great Britain. Research methods: We utilise the Taking Part Survey (TPS), which gathers data from a representative sample of around 10,000 adults aged 16 and over residing in England each year. Between July 2011 and March 2016, the TPS included a question to identify the components of national pride in Great Britain. We examined 'British sporting achievements' as one of 12 domains that made people in England feel most proud of the country (Great Britain). The determinants of sportive nationalism were assessed using logistic regression analysis. Associations between monthly variations in sportive nationalism (57 data points) and specific events that might influence its level were explored. Results and Findings: 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 health service. Certain population segments were more inclined to be sportive nationalists such as those who participated in sport or followed it online. Changes in sportive nationalism were seen to coincide with the performances of British athletes and teams, albeit these were temporary in nature. Implications: Our study provides limited evidence to justify government investment in elite sport on the grounds of success generating national pride. A wide range of events might influence sportive nationalism and reductions in this domain of national pride may be associated with both perceived failure and a general waning effect.

The Impact of British Sporting Achievements on National Pride

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 hHealth sService. The study found that certain population segments were more inclined to be sportive nationalists, such as those who participated in sport or followed itsports 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.

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., with cChanges in sportive nationalism arebeing 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 lowerof a lesser magnitude compared with other more stable factors such as the British countryside, its history and the National hHealth sService.

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 failuresperformances 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.