Globalisation and gender aspects of professional sport: the case of Poland

Abstract

Motivation: Globalisation is not only about the mobility of capital and proliferation of global problems. It is also about common approaches in public governance. Modern technologies help to disseminate information on sport as well as raise interests and encourage citizens to engage in sport. Globalisation has made it easier. There is no need to travel -- Olympic Games, football matches and various other sports can be watched on TV, with broadcasts offering more insights than live watching on the spot. Globalisation, however, is also seen in various public or grass-root initiatives which, by addressing existing inequalities, support certain groups i.e. women or minorities to help them achieve more equal position in sport. Aim: The paper's aim is to analyse the impact of globalisation (use of modern, digital technologies) on public governance in sport based on the example of Poland. Poland is specific because there exists a strong gender bias and unequal involvement of men and women in professional sport. It translates into financial support. All of the above aspects will be scrutinized. Results: The analyses will be based on the available public data on the financing of professional sport as well as achievements in the Olympic Games between the years 1924 and 2016. Moreover, some light will be shed on media coverage of sports events. The applied research methods include a critical literature review and analyses of gathered statistical data. The paper fills in the gap in the existing literature where impact of globalisation on sport in terms of public governance and gender imbalance is not often discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]