Dominique Bodin is a Professor at the University of Paris East Créteil (UPEC). FranceLuc Robène is a Professor at the University of Bordeaux. France

• Introduction 1. Sport and Civilisation: Violence Mastered. From the Lack of a Definition for Violence to the Illusory Pacifying Role of Modern Sports 2. Sports and Violence Reflected in the Mirror of Modern Societies: Sport Ambiguities 3. Role Distance in Question: When it is No Longer Participating But Winning Which is Important 4. Sport to the Rescue of the Suburbs: Sport to Educate? Sport to Reassure? When Politicians Respond to the Signs of Disturbance of Law and Order 5. Hooligans, Casuals, Independents: Decivilisation or Rationalisation of the Activity? 6. Sport, Technique and Violence: The Technical Modes for Generating Sport Violence 7. Sport, Prison, Violence: On Imprisonment and Confinement Conditions – ‘French Prison Sport’ and the Instruments of the World’s Good Conscience 8. Sport and Civilisation: Violence Mastered? From Civilising Functions to Pacifying Functions