BODILY issue- Performance Enhancing Drugs Flashcards
(10 cards)
The social construction of social issues: when did athletes start taking PED’s/ what is the history of Performance Enhancing Drugs?
1940s–1950s:
The development and use of anabolic steroids, which mimic the effects of the male hormone testosterone, began in earnest after World War II. These drugs were initially used to help recover from injuries and to increase muscle mass.
1970s–1980s:
As the use of anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing substances became more widespread, the issue of PEDs gained public attention. The 1970s saw increased use among elite athletes, particularly in the Olympics.
The 1999 World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA):
The turning point came with the establishment of WADA in 1999. The agency was founded to coordinate global anti-doping efforts, set clear rules, and enforce the testing of athletes for banned substances across all sports.
And during the 1990’s and the 2000’s the use of PED’s became illegal.
Who rules? When it comes to the uses and functionality of PED’s?
Who is responsible for creating the rules relating to PED’s and who is subject to those rules?
WADA, Sports Organisations, Federations
Athletes face the rules and increasing seriousness of sport.
The concept of POWER-
Do the rule makers and the subjects of the rules have the same or different interests?
No, but those that wield the most power can wield and modify regulations.
Folk Devils?
Are any particular groups highlighted as being especially guilty or prone to talking performance enhancing drugs?
What are the real and potential dangers? Are some of the panics exaggerated?
What nations would you associate- Russia, East Germany, China.
Russia no1
America no2
EAST GERMANY and RUSSIA- being used as a scape goat- state administered- there are OTHER places.
De-bunking myths?
What is the rationale for the prohibition of certain substances?
Is this logically sustainable?
Consider what is and what is not banned, and does this match up with the rationale?
Give an example of an athlete who has died due to the use of PED’s?
Tommy Simpson, 1967, Tour de France- dies during the race
What was happening at the start/ emergence of the PED’s problem?
The televised nature of sport and the rise of professionalism that is being overtaken by professionalism- benefits of winning are bigger and political.
What’s the rationale for the prohibition of PED’s in sport?
Health related consequences
The integrity of the sport/ bad for the REPUTATION of sport
Fair play/ the notion of fairness in sport
Do we question the ‘Reputation’ of sport being an idea- it’s only harmful if you catch someone within a drug scandal.
A self-perpetuating rationale- only bad for the reputation of the sport because you banned it.
Is the line between socially legal and illegal the same?
A hazy and contested line- Ephedrine is a medication used to manage and treat clinically significant hypotension. It is in the sympathomimetic class of drugs.
Some athletes will be caught with this in their system but say that it was because they were taking normal medication.
Does banning PED’s lead to more dangerous practices- behind the scenes, unsure where it’s sourced, all behind closed doors.
Moral Panics in relation to PED’s?
What is the worst that can happen and what are the dangers to sport? Have we got those in proportion?
The ENHANCED GAMES- gives an image/ a mirror to society- can take anything and that is okay.
Caffeine, Alcohol, Paracetamol- we live in a drug orientated society. How does that become inflated?
End up with some fairly strong judgements on what is okay and what is not okay- why?
