United by Sports? Key Factors affecting Sports Participation in a Sports-based Initiative to Promote Social Integration in Segregated Communities

Abstract

Introduction Sweden's society has become ethnically diverse, yet social exclusion and segregation remain prevalent problems, particularly in employment, housing, and education (Dahlstedt & Ekholm, 2018). Acknowledging this challenge, the Swedish government, the Swedish Sports Confederation, and sports organizations have invested in sports to promote integration. Sports for integration initiatives are perceived as a tool for enhancing social integration, physical activity, and social capital in segregated cities (Agergaard, 2018). Regular participation is essential for achieving these goals, making it crucial to understand why individuals participate or not in such initiatives and develop social capital (Flensner et al., 2021). While previous research investigated structural and sociocultural engagement boundaries, few studies examine specific program factors that influence participants' willingness to engage, particularly from their own perspectives. This study addresses this gap by investigating the key facilitators and barriers within a sports-based program leading to social integration and the development of social capital among participants from various backgrounds in a highly segregated Swedish city.

Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine program participants, two youth leaders, and the program manager to gain insights into intra- and interpersonal experiences and perceptions regarding social connections and the development of social capital within the program. Using qualitative content analysis, findings were discussed though the lens of the social integration encompassing four interconnected dimensions (interaction, identification, culturalization, placement) and social capital theory. This framework allows to investigate factors influencing participants' engagement in sports-based integration initiatives, resulting in the identification of key contributing elements (Esser, 2009).

Results/Discussion The study concludes that key factors, such as interactions with people from diverse backgrounds in safe environments, a physical activity and education component, exceptional events, and networking opportunities, significantly enrich participants' experiences and encourage continued participation in sports for integration initiatives. This not only contributes to social capital development and social integration into society but also provides valuable insights into factors that need to be included in initiatives to enhance participation and lead to effective initiatives. However, challenges like recruiting and retaining participants and inconsistent attendance are crucial factors hindering the effectiveness of these initiatives in promoting social integration. This study offers valuable insights on benefits and challenges of sport-based programs in fostering social integration within segregated societies, aiding in the formulation of more effective initiatives and policies. Future research should explore long-term outcomes and strategies to improve participant retention.

References

Agergaard, S. (2018). Rethinking sports and integration: Developing a transnational perspective on migrants and descendants in sports (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315266084

Dahlstedt, M., & Ekholm, D. (2018). Social exclusion and multiethnic suburbs in Sweden. In The Routledge Companion to the Suburbs (pp. 163–172). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315266442-14

Esser, H. (2009). Pluralisierung oder Assimilation? / Pluralization or Assimilation?: Effekte der multiplen Inklusion auf die Integration von Migranten / Effects of multiple inclusion on the integration of immigrants. Zeitschrift für Soziologie, 38(5), 358–378. https://doi.org/10.1515/zfsoz-2009-0502

Flensner, K. K., Korp, P., & Lindgren, E. C. (2020). Integration into and through sports? Sport activities for migrant children and youths. European Journal for Sport and Society, 18(1), 64–81. https://doi.org/10.1080/16138171.2020.1823689