This article covers a large part of the cultural context of sport in the USA in the OCR A2 specification (G453 Option A2: Comparative studies). It focuses on historical determinants, isolationism, marginalisation of UK sports and promotion of the ‘big four’ sports (American football, baseball, basketball and ice hockey). However, there are also possible links to other exam boards. The AQA specification (A2 Unit 3 Section C: Evaluating contemporary influences) requires the study of the social and cultural factors influencing the development of rational recreation from preindustrial times to the current day, and Edexcel (AS Unit 1 Section A, 1.2) requires the study of the development of professional and international sport, the globalisation of sport and Americanisation.
In the twentieth century, the USA generally dominated developments in politics, economics, science, music, cinema, consumer habits and education. However, the exception to this was in the area of soccer (association football). If you mention Wayne Rooney to an American, the majority will almost certainly look back at you with a blank stare. Soccer in the USA has enjoyed a marginal existence and despite being a world leader in virtually every other respect (and even hosting the soccer World Cup finals in 1994), the country has had very little influence on the game.
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