The Social Integrative Meaning of Sport: A Critical and Comparative Analysis of Policy and Practice in the Netherlands

Abstract

The diversity of sport participants in the Netherlands is beginning to reflect the diversity within the general population. Sport as a whole is becoming more accessible, and participation in sport of different social groups takes place within both mainstream and “separate” sports clubs and in differently organized sports groups. In our paper we critically analyze the broader social integrative functions ascribed to sport by policy makers. We attempt to show that the ongoing democratization of sport participation is not always positively correlated, let alone causally related, to a broader social integrated society. We argue that social integration in itself is a multidimensional process and distinguish three dimensions of integration (structural, social-cultural, and social-affective), which can all occur in and through the practice of sport. Furthermore we argue that the integrative meanings of sport depend on which social groups and which of the dimensions of integration are examined. The complementary and contradictory aspects of the dimensions of social integration with regard to four different social minority groups (ethnic minorities, the elderly, the physically challenged, gays and lesbians) are examined.

El estudio de iniciativas deportivas locales para jóvenes migrantes desde una perspectiva política: retos metodológicos y prácticos

“…In contrast, analysing whether sports are really an integration vehicle, a number of authors respond with skepticism and the belief that sport integrates per se has been questioned (Gasparini, 2008), criticising the integrative social functions attributed to it as automatically transmitted values (Elling et al, 2001). Some of these authors insist on the fact that sports offer the illusion of escape from social exclusion, as defended by Bourdieu (1993).…”

Práctica deportiva y estrategias de integración de la población ecuatoriana en Madrid. (Sporting practise and integration strategies of the ecuadorian population in Madrid)

“…Tomadas de los cuestionarios de Navas y col. (2004Navas y col. ( y 2004a, Taylor (2000), Nehas (2000), Reshef (1990) y García Ferrando (1997y 2001. En estas se analizaban los hábitos deportivos de la población ecuatoriana, la aculturación en el deporte y las diferentes dimensiones de la integración en el deporte.…”

“…Por un lado, puede servir para favorecer el entendimiento mutuo, la comunicación y la convivencia; luchar contra las diferencias, la xenofobia y la violencia; contribuir a la formación de la identidad y conservar las raíces étnicas, en definitiva, mejorar la integración social en un marco intercultural, pero por otro, puede ser un terreno de conflicto, violencia, segregación y exclusión social (Elling, De Knop y Knoppers, 2001;Forodeporte, 2004;Frogner, 1985;Henry, 2007;Jiménez, Durán y Domínguez, 2009;Kennett, 2005Kennett, , 2006aKennett, , 2006bKennett, Sagarzazu y Cerezuela, 2007;Lleixa, 2004;Maza, 2004;Medina, 2002;Mignon, 2000;Müller, Van Zoonen y Roode, 2008;Nehas, 2000;Pirard, 2001;Puig y Fullana, 2002;Silvestre, 2005;Soler, 2007;Van Engeland et al, 1993/94;etc. ).…”

Mixed-sex in sport for development: a pragmatic and symbolic device. The case of touch rugby for forced migrants in Rome

“…Separated sport activities can also provide members of disempowered groups with temporary relief from the strain habitually experienced in their everyday asymmetrical interactions (Krouwel et al 2006). Moreover, the simplistic idea that segregated sports activities only reinforce bonding social capital, whereas mixed activity generates bridging social capital, has been questioned by several studies (Elling, De Knop, and Knoppers 2001;Janssens and Verweel 2014;Spaaij 2012;Theeboom, Schaillée, and Nols 2012).…”

“…Notably with regard to migrants' participation, mostly mainstream team sports have been studied for both their bonding effect of strengthening intra-group solidarity and cohesion, and their bridging capacity to favour inter-group relations and integration (Elling, De Knop, and Knoppers 2001;Janssens and Verweel 2014;Spaaij 2013a).…”