Chapters 5-8

Chapter 5 talks about how the process of industrialization created massive changes in the social structure. The working class expanded exponentially as qualification was no longer as big of a factor as before, meaning that the skill level requirements were not as high. These new additions to the working class led to it gaining political power, which was inevitable. Mistreatment of workers was commonplace as they were now easier to replace. This led to creation of workers' unions and socialist political parties, which were ment to protect the working class and end oppression.
Chapter 6, as the title suggests, has to do with nationalism and sense of ethnic identity. Hobsbawm discusses the good and the bad sides of nationalism. On one hand, nationalism is a powerfull tool, which can unite people under one flag. On the other hand, nationalism can be used by rulers to start meaningless wars.Chapter 7 focuses on the Bourgeoisie, or the middle class. These are the people who lived fairly comfortably and allowed themselves to enjoy expensive leisure, education, sports, nice houses, etc. I think it's fair to say that the problems of the working class did not concern much of the Bourgeoisie.In Chapter 8, Hobsbawm talks about the changing role of women in society from late 19th to early 20th centuries. Middle and upper class women especially, were now able to enjoy more freedom in their life. This was a big step forward in the issue of women's rights.

What was interesting to find is how Hobsbawm describes sports as one of the "Bourgeoisie" kinds of things to do. While I am sure that they were not the only ones playing sports, it is quite believable that this was the case on the more "professional" level. If you think about it, it's the same way today. One can say that everyone can now play sports, but not everyone can own a hockey team. It is the wealthy, who decide where you play and for which team, as your opportunity to be the pitcher for the Pirates may quickly disappear with the signing of a rising star athlete somewhere in Mexico. One could say that it all depends on how good you are and how hard you work to be better. Another question arises from this: who is better able to get better at sports, somebody who has all the time in the world, as he has his parents taking care of everything else? or someone who's been working after school in the McDonalds down the street to help his parents pay the bills? Thus, my question is simple, have things really changed that much when it comes to sports?