Role of Physical Education in Fostering National Identity and Pride through Jamaica’s Success in Track and Field in Jamaica

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the role of physical education in fostering national identity and pride through Jamaica’s success in track and field in Jamaica.

Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.

Findings:  The role of physical education in fostering national identity and pride in Jamaica is significantly highlighted by the country's success in track and field. Jamaica's dominance in athletics, particularly in sprinting, has become a source of immense national pride and a key element of the nation's identity. Through structured physical education programs, young Jamaicans are introduced to the importance of sports, particularly track and field, as a means of personal and national achievement.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social identity theory, cultural identity theory & theory of planned behavior may be used to anchor future studies on the role of physical education in fostering national identity and pride through Jamaica’s success in track and field in Jamaica. In practice, PE programs should strategically integrate elements of national sports successes, such as Jamaica’s track and field achievements, into their curricula. At the policy level, educational authorities should advocate for the inclusion of national sports achievements in PE curricula as part of a broader strategy to enhance national identity and pride.