Sports culture in Latin American history

"As this edited volume shows, the function of sport as a historical and cultural marker is particularly relevant in Latin America. From the late nineteenth century to the present, the contributors examine the role of sport as a political vehicle, in claims to citizenship, as a source of community and ethnic pride, as a symbol of masculinity or feminism, as allegorical performance, and in many other purposes. The chapters juxtapose better-known activities such as boxing and soccer with first peoples' athletics in Argentina, cholita wrestling in Bolivia, the African-influenced martial art of capoeira, Japanese Brazilian gateball, and the "art deco" body ideal for postrevolutionary Mexican women, among other topics." -- Back cover.