School of Social & Political Sciences

Physical Culture, Race and Masculinity in Britain's Colonial Army, 1858-1939

From 1858 to the start of World War II, military authorities in Britain and its colonies placed strong emphasis on physical training and sport as a means to shape the martial body and enhance battle efficiency. I examine this physical training through sport, which I call ‘physical culture’, to offer original insights into how it generated new ideologies of race, ethnicity, and masculinity in the British Empire at large. Through a study of military sport involving Scottish, Indian and Black Caribbean soldiers in India and the West Indies, I rethink the 'empire project' by interrogating the development of scientific racism, Social Darwinism, masculinity, class, and modern sport through the British Army.

Duration: 1st June 2024 - 30th May 2026 

Funder: RSE Small Research Grant