ASPECTS OF BOXING IN THE WESTERN `CIVILIZING PROCESS'
In: International review for the sociology of sport: irss ; a quarterly edited on behalf of the International Sociology of Sport Association (ISSA), Band 32, Heft 1, S. 31-57
ISSN: 1461-7218
Despite the feelings of repugnance aroused in many people by boxing it is argued here that the sport may be described as `civilized' in the non-evaluative sense suggested by Norbert Elias. The activity of prize fighting has undergone a sportization process. As part of this process the rules governing it have become more precise, more explicit and more differentiated. Supervision of rule observance has become more efficient. The extent and nature of the violence allowed in the sport has become much more carefully regulated. Elias' theory is modified to suggest that in the course of civilizing processes not only do excessively dangerous and violent activities become increasingly controlled but that the appearance of control assumes added significance. In the case of boxing, cosmetic changes have been introduced into the sport which, at first glance, may appear to make the activity less dangerous but which, in reality, increase those dangers.