Fox hunting provides an interesting case-study for a model which is often referred to as the civilizing process. The rules of fox hunting developed from the 18th century in a way that restricted the use of violence. For example, the hunters, since the eighteenth century, were unarmed and were not allowed to kill foxes directly, only by the hounds, their proxies. The development of these less violent forms of hunting took place in accordance with the parlamentarization of political conflicts. As the violence, which characterized the English society in the 17th century began to decrease, a more civilized ruling class began to emerge. This ruling class developed less violent ways of behavior both in aspects of politics and of leisure. The essay also claims that through sport and leisure activities we can feel pleasurable tension excitement that balances the boredom of life.

full text in Sic Itur ad Astra 62. (2011)