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in representing one's country, expression of cultural identity and diversity and the
creation of national role models.
The alternative side exists with the negative aspects of extreme nationalism
which occurs to the detriment of Olympism; athlete exploitation, propaganda, discrimination
and prejudice.
As seen from the positive and negative aspects, nationalism will exist forever
within the Games. However, the IOC should do all in its power to prevent the
Games being used as a platform for extreme nationalism. Through Olympic Education,
and raising nation-wide awareness of Olympism, the negative aspects may
be lessened.
Set 3
Question E. — What are the cultural, religious and social factors of women's
participation in the Olympic Movement?
One cannot ignore the fact that women's participation in the Olympic Movement
parallels their position in society. Women have often been excluded from
decision-making roles in sport, as well as in politics, because, men have traditionally
claimed these leadership positions.
It was generally agreed that cultural, religious and social factors are interrelated
and have varying degrees of influence depending upon the society in which
one lives. The cultural, religious and social factors that help to define the role of
women in a given society revolve around the family, education, customs, economics
and the type of society.
Other influencing factors include upbringing, attitudes and socio-economic
groupings and the perceived and traditional role of women within each society.
These restrictions are not always obvious. Our ability to recognize these features
depends upon our own culture's influence upon us as observers.
Religious influences and beliefs have imposed great obstacles for women to
overcome if they desire to participate in physical activities. Some religious customs
forbid women to expose their bodies, to compete in front of men, or even to receive
the same education. These additional restrictions make it almost impossible
for women, in certain regions, to be involved at all.
The experience and options of the various group-members suggest that the
concept of a continuum be used to reflect the varying impacts on women's participation.
At one end of this continuum women are considered to be subordinate to, and
the property of men, giving women little freedom to pursue their own choices.
Participation in sport often requires the permission of ones husband or father and
this is often not forthcoming. Furthermore, religious doctrine expressed through
strict dress codes reduces the number of acceptable sports. Also, censorship
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