Kinesiology, Physical Activity, Physical Education, and Sports through an Equity/Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Lens: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: Equity, equality, diversity, and inclusion are terms covered in the academic literature focusing on sports, kinesiology, physical education, and physical activity, including in conjunction with marginalized groups. Universities in many countries use various EDI policy frameworks and work under the EDI headers “equality, diversity and inclusion”, “equity, diversity and inclusion”, “diversity, equity and inclusion”, and similar phrases (all referred to as EDI) to rectify problems students, non-academic staff, and academic staff from marginalized groups, such as women, Indigenous peoples, visible/racialized minorities, disabled people, and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, and Two-Spirit (LGBTQ2S+) experience. Which EDI data, if any, are generated influences EDI efforts in universities (research, education, and general workplace climate) of all programs. Method: Our study used a scoping review approach and employed SCOPUS and the 70 databases of EBSCO-Host, which includes SportDiscus, as sources aimed to analyze the extent (and how) the academic literature focusing on sports, kinesiology, physical education, and physical activity engages with EDI. Results: We found only 18 relevant sources and a low to no coverage of marginalized groups linked to EDI, namely racialized minorities (12), women (6), LGBTQ2S+ (5), disabled people (2), and Indigenous peoples (0). Conclusion: Our findings suggest a gap in the academic inquiry and huge opportunities.

Childhood obesity and racism: 2022 views and observations

“…8,9 This situation also persists currently in 2022 despite a belated focus on the concepts of equity, equality, diversity, and inclusion in multiple realms including sports, basic education, physical education, physical activity opportunities, food stamp programs, medical school acceptance processes, the selection of personnel who ascribe to equity in universities and health organizations, and others designed to level the playing fields that clearly impact childhood obesity. 10 Indeed, the application of the widespread efforts to highlight the value and critical importance of equity has not yet enabled any substantive visible evidence of its profound possible influence on childhood obesity rates and outcomes, where inequities based on race persist, especially in underserved areas.…”