Physical education and physical culture in the Coloured community of the Western Cape, 1837-1966
Date
2009-03
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Physical Education is a human movement activity driven by syllabi and educational
programmes. Physical culture refers to human movement programmes with an
entertainment component, but that also uses physical education activity. This study serves
as an account of Physical Education and physical culture in the Coloured community of
the Western Cape in the period 1837 to 1966. It offers a historical exploration of these
activities in the social and political context and cuts across narrow definitions of race and
class. The research also pays attention to the untold and unpleasant side of the story of
Physical Education. This necessitated tracing the origin of Physical Education and
physical culture back to their European roots, because of the strong political and cultural
links between South Africa and Europe.
The Cape Coloured petty bourgeoisie urbanite minority of the 19th and early 20th century
were eager but unable to infiltrate the ranks of middle class White society. They were
acutely aware of the need to show respect towards the White middle classes and also to
distance themselves from the “unruly behaviour” of the working class. For this reason
Physical Education and physical culture programmes became suitable means for the
Coloured petty bourgeoisie to educate the “less fortunate” Coloured working class
masses.
Description
Thesis (PhD (Sport Science))—University of Stellenbosch, 2009.
Keywords
Dissertations -- Sport science, Theses -- Sport science