Football and National Identity in Twentieth-Century Argentina: La Nuestra

Football has become the key cultural signifier of national identity in Argentina over the long twentieth century, with the international exploits of players such as Luis Monti, Alfredo Di Stéfano and Diego Maradona projecting Argentina onto the global consciousness. Mark Orton challenges existing myths surrounding the nativisation of football in Argentina away from British influence, showing how the game provided a conduit for the assimilation of millions of European immigrants in the early decades of the century into a new Argentine 'race'. The book also examines how football gave some of the 'voiceless others' such as women, Afro-Argentines, indigenous people and those in the interior an arena to project themselves in an Argentine society that was masculine, white and Buenos Aires-dominated.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 305 pages
Publication date: 11 January 2024
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

Football has played a significant role in shaping Argentina's national identity over the past century, with British immigrants bringing the sport to the country in 1867. The international success of players like Luis Monti, Alfredo Di Stéfano, and Diego Maradona has helped to project Argentina onto the global stage in a way that no other sport has. In his book, Mark Orton challenges existing myths surrounding the nativisation of football in Argentina, arguing that the game provided a conduit for the assimilation of millions of European immigrants in the early decades of the century into a new Argentine 'race'. The book also explores how football gave some of the 'voiceless others', such as women, Afro-Argentines, indigenous people, and those in the interior, an arena to project themselves in an Argentine society that was masculine, white, and Buenos Aires-dominated.

Football's impact on Argentina's national identity can be traced back to its arrival in 1867 with British immigrants. The sport quickly gained popularity among the Argentine population, and British players were instrumental in the country's early successes. In the 1920s, Argentina won the first World Cup, and the team's success continued throughout the 1930s and 1940s. The international exploits of players like Luis Monti, Alfredo Di Stéfano, and Diego Maradona have helped to cement Argentina's place in the global consciousness.

One of the key ways in which football has shaped Argentina's national identity is through its role in the assimilation of European immigrants. In the early decades of the century, millions of European immigrants arrived in Argentina, and many of them were unable to find work or integrate into Argentine society. Football provided a way for these immigrants to connect with each other and with the wider Argentine community. It was a sport that was played by people from all backgrounds and social classes, and it helped to break down the barriers that existed between different groups.

Football also gave some of the 'voiceless others' in Argentina an arena to project themselves in an Argentine society that was masculine, white, and Buenos Aires-dominated. Women, Afro-Argentines, indigenous people, and those in the interior were often marginalized in Argentine society, and football provided a platform for them to express their identities and to challenge the dominant narrative. For example, women's football in Argentina has grown in popularity in recent years, and the country has produced some of the world's best female players.

However, football has also had its negative impacts on Argentina's national identity. The sport has been associated with violence and crime, and there have been numerous incidents of hooliganism and fan violence in Argentina. This has led to a negative perception of the sport in the international community, and it has made it difficult for Argentina to host major international events.

In recent years, Argentina has been working to address these issues. The government has implemented measures to improve security at football matches, and the country has also launched initiatives to promote women's football and to support marginalized groups. However, there is still much work to be done, and football continues to be a source of tension in Argentine society.

In conclusion, football has played a significant role in shaping Argentina's national identity over the past century. The sport has provided a conduit for the assimilation of millions of European immigrants, and it has given some of the 'voiceless others' in Argentina an arena to project themselves in an Argentine society that was masculine, white, and Buenos Aires-dominated. However, football has also had its negative impacts, and it is important for Argentina to work to address these issues in order to maintain its positive image in the international community.

Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031205910
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023