Technology and Justice: Power relations in the evolution of taekwondo electronic scoring systems

• Main Authors: Lee-Yi Fang, 李亦芳
• Other Authors: Jui-Fu Cheng
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2014
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/82083696761193687846

博士 === 國立臺灣師範大學 === 運動與休閒管理研究所 === 102 === Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the power relations created in the evolution of electronic taekwondo protection. Foucault’s point of view on power was adopted when investigating the relationships between technology and justice. Methods: Documentary analysis, semi-structured interviews, and field research were used in this study. Documentary analysis was used in the investigation of the properties of the different electronic protective systems. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to determine how the different electronic scoring systems affect Taekwondo competitions. Taekwondo competitors, taekwondo coaches and technicians of the taekwondo electronic protection systems were interviewed. Training camps and competitions were used as a reflection field in order to understand the data from the documentation and interviews. Results: 1. The protection evolved steadily during the period of traditional taekwondo protection but then changed dramatically in the period of electronic taekwondo protection. However, there is not a clear distinction between the periods of traditional and electronic protection. 2. In the traditional taekwondo protection system, competitors used “taekwondo skill”, but in the new taekwondo protection systems they needed to develop “electronic taekwondo skill”. 3. The different periods of taekwondo protection systems have seen the development of different competition skills, knowledge, and power. During the period of traditional protection, competition knowledge was that understood by people directly involved in a match, but in the period of electronic protection, competition knowledge has become that known by people not traditionally involved in a match. 4. The power in competitions using the traditional taekwondo protection system was held by judges and the WTF; however, with the advent of electronic protection systems, more power has fallen under the sway of external elements. Conclusion: 1. Technology and power are intrinsically linked, and this relationship results in both justice and injustice in taekwondo competitions. Technology has become a veil to various power relationships and is only masquerading as a means of achieving justice. 2. Technology cannot, therefore, solve the problem of injustice. Justice becomes a topic for discussion among various power points. Technology acts as Justice’s double but can lead to both injustice and injustice. Suggestion: 1. Expose the degree to which power in taekwondo competitions can be manipulated to affect justice or injustice. 2. Try to use electronic protection systems to allow the return of traditional Taekwondo skills to competitions. 3. Training units should establish an intelligence gathering group. 4. The training knowledge of different electronic protection systems should be developed. 5. The Taekwondo international competition rules should be translated to Chinese and published on internet simultaneously.