Applying Intergroup Contact Theory to the Sport Management Classroom

Abstract

Allport’s (1954) intergroup contact hypothesis states that interactions with members of an out-group, particularly of a different racial and/or ethnic group, are effective in changing attitudes about diversity (Allport, 1954; Pettigrew, 1998). In this study, the intergroup contact hypothesis was applied to the design of a sport management course. The classroom component focused the role of sport in education, health, and leadership development, and the application was structured sport and physical activity programming with school-age children at several urban sites. Data were gathered from 91 college students over 3 years about course-related experiences and how the students’ backgrounds influenced their social identities and understanding of out-group members. Results showed that intergroup contact effectively assisted in developing understanding and cooperation and reducing negative attitudes between groups. The participants received diversity education, via intergroup contact, both inside and outside the classroom, which will potentially equip them to take proactive strategies when managing organizational diversity in the sport industry.

Applying intergroup contact theory to sport-for-development

“…As a next step, sport management research has shifted the focus on applying contact theory to designing effective contact experiences in diverse sports settings (see, e.g., Bruening et al, 2014;Cohen, Melton, & Peachey, 2014;Lyras & Hums, 2009;Schulenkorf, 2010). One socio-managerial aspect that has consistently been identified as critical for reducing prejudice among groups and people is the facilitation of personal and longer-term forms of contact compared to brief, superficial engagements.…”

Sport Education Terhadap Sport Orientasi Siswa Menengah Kejuruan

“…Kontak antarkelompok secara efektif membantu dalam mengembangkan pemahaman, kerja sama, dan mengurangi sikap negatif antar kelompok. Para peserta menerima pendidikan keanekaragaman, melalui kontak antarkelompok, baik di dalam maupun di luar kelas, yang secara potensial akan membekali mereka untuk mengambil strategi proaktif ketika mengelola keragaman organisasi dalam industri olahraga (Bruening et al, 2014).…”

“They do treat us as a bit normal now”: Students’ experiences of liminality and communitas whilst volunteering on a sports-based outreach project

“…Much of the literature in this domain encompasses students' involvement with service learning programmes in North America. Students enrolled in service learning courses that connect to SFD have been found to benefit from wider cultural experiences, interacting and building relationships with groups who are diverse from themselves, expanding their networks, and gaining a stronger connection to local communities (Bruening et al, 2010(Bruening et al, , 2014(Bruening et al, , 2015. Relatedly, and by undertaking research with the alumni of a college service learning through sport course in the United States, Bruening et al (2015) were able to assay key features in the design and implementation of the programme by which positive outcomes for students were elicited.…”

“…SFD can be conceptualised as a vehicle by which to achieve a variety of positive social outcomes that may include: community development; social inclusion; education; improved public health; crime reduction; and humanitarian assistance (Coalter, 2013;Darnell, 2012Darnell, , 2010Spaaij, 2009). Service learning experiences linked to SFD programmes in the United States have been recognised to foster community connection, cultural competency and understanding, and increase intentions towards future civic engagement in university students (Bruening et al, 2010(Bruening et al, , 2014(Bruening et al, , 2015.…”

“… 1. Service learning refers to course-based and credit-bearing activities wherein students in higher education engage in organised community service (Bruening et al, 2010, 2014). Service learning programmes are most typically associated with tertiary education in the United States. …”