In whom do we trust? The level and radius of social trust among sport club members

Abstract

This paper refers to the widespread notion that voluntary (sport) organizations produce social capital, popularized through the works of Robert D. Putnam, and compares social trust levels of sport club members with members in other voluntary associations and non-members. We differentiate between in-group trust and out-group trust, highlighting that not only the level of trust but also the “trust radius” counts for social cohesion in modern societies. Refining Putnam’s claims, we argue that social trust among members varies with the quality and intensity of participation captured (for instance, through volunteering), diverse social contacts and the level of membership trust experienced in an association. Based on a nation-wide survey, carried out in Germany during 2017/2018, it is demonstrated that members of civic associations indicate higher levels of trust towards in-groups and out-groups compared to non-members and they regard present society as more solidary and trusting. A fine-grained analysis among members of associations further shows that increased trust is typical for volunteers and individuals in socially diverse associations which, at the same time, are characterized by high levels of membership trust. We conclude that sports clubs need to provide beneficial context conditions for producing high levels and a wider radius of trust.

Sexual Violence and the Coach–Athlete Relationship—a Scoping Review From Sport Sociological and Sport Psychological Perspectives

“…Athletes (should) have confidence in coaches' integrity and trust coaches' competence to develop their performance and career. From organizational studies, we know that members of sport clubs have high in-group trust, and volunteers such as coaches are more likely to be regarded as acquaintances than neutral members (Burrmann et al, 2018 ). Trust and closeness seem to be closely linked, and while important for a functioning coach–athlete relationship, both can also be sources of exploitation (Brackenridge and Fasting, 2005 ; Rulofs, 2016 ).…”

In Troubled Water? European Sports Clubs: Their Problems, Capacities and Opportunities

“…Consequently, there are huge expectations towards what these sports clubs might offer. When successful, the clubs provide health-enhancing physical activities, create a setting to have fun and build social relationships, and foster democratic learning (Burrmann, 2011;Burrmann et al, 2018;Hall et al, 2003;Sch€ uttoff et al, 2017;Ulseth, 2004). Because clubs are expected to fulfill such expectancies, public authorities support them; many people partake and volunteer, and funding is provided by commercial sponsors (Lamprecht et al, 2017).…”

Speaking Acquaintances or Helpers in Need: Participation in Civic Associations and Individual Social Capital

“…Voicu and Voicu (2016) found significant differences between associations with regard to gender equality values: Whereas members of religious and sport organizations were more conservative, members of charity organizations turned out to be more liberal. Burrmann et al (2020) document differences in social trust levels between members of inwardand outward-oriented associations. These differences between associations may be due to socialization process that result from engagement and activities within that organization.…”

“…, higher levels of trust (Brehm and Rahn 1997;Burrmann et al 2020;Wollebӕk and Strømsnes 2008) and more political engagement (McFarland and Thomas 2006;Van der Meer et al 2009;Van Stekelenburg et al 2016).…”