Sports and hobbies linked to new world views
Mira KarjalainenThis paper focuses on sports and hobbies linked to new worldviews and value systems that diffuse globally, especially in urban settings. Many new popular sports that do not originate in Europe are connected to various worldviews and religious ideas. For example yoga bears links to Hinduism, capoeira is affiliated with candomblé and kung fu is connected to religious practices, symbols and rites of East Asian religions. Furthermore, many other hobbies like African and Cuban drumming and dance sports such as samba, salsa and afro are linked to a certain belief systems. Individuals choosing to practice these pastime activities are often interested in alternative worldviews and some become involved with the religious thoughts behind the sport. The paper looks at the processes in which individuals interested in these hobbies negotiate religious practices into their worldviews.