Date of Award

1992

Publication Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

M.H.K.

Department

Kinesiology

Keywords

History, Canadian.

Rights

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

Abstract

The central questions were, first, in what ways did promoters, reformers, and regulators influence the conduct necessary for the economic viability of thoroughbred racing and second, in what ways was this influence mediated by historically specific circumstances. The structural legality of the conduct necessary for viability was the fundamental point of contention. For commercial promoters, it was revenue derived from the sale of bookmaking privileges, and after 1914 deducted as a percentage of a pari-mutuel pool, that provided the keystone underpinning the enterprise. For moral reformers, the widespread gambling was immoral because it epitomized the direct antithesis to the ethos of the protestant work ethic and was thought to be an impediment to the harmony of the working class family. For the state, the operation of racing was regulated because it concomitantly meant capital accumulation and widespread gambling. While particular structural circumstances were given, it was actors who were responsible for what was done within the bounds of those circumstances. Moreover, such agency was profoundly conditioned by class positions in the historically specific circumstances in which they acted. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)Dept. of Kinesiology. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis1992 .W383. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 31-04, page: 1556. Thesis (M.H.K.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 1992.

Share

COinS