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European governments increasingly rely on voluntary sport clubs (VSCs) for refugee social inclusion amidst the influx of Ukrainian refugees. A review framed by Bronfenbrenner’s model and DeLuca’s spectrum reveals that VSCs’ success hinges on committed individuals, organizational culture, recognition of refugees’ strengths, and cross-sectoral collaborations. Effective refugee social inclusion demands support, resources, intercultural education, and nuanced understanding within VSCs.
European governments increasingly rely on sports, particularly voluntary sports clubs (VSCs), to address social issues like refugee social inclusion , referred to as ‘newcomers’. The term ‘newcomers’ is used to avoid insensitive language but highlights forcibly displaced people rather than economic migrants. This shift is based on the belief that communities like sports clubs can handle welfare tasks more efficiently and affordably than the state. The ‘refugee crisis’ in 2015, triggered by events in the Middle East, emphasized the role of European sports movements in newcomer well-being and integration, a contested term involving mutual adaptation. Despite narratives of sport’s neutrality, clubs are places where expectations are placed on newcomers. With forced migration ongoing, addressing mental and physical health issues among refugees, such as Ukrainian newcomers, is crucial. Sports offer not just physical health benefits but also provide a supportive environment for overall well-being. While VSCs are vital components of European civil society, their contributions to social policy goals and newcomer inclusion vary, necessitating systematic assessment. The paper aims to review existing research on VSCs’ role in newcomer inclusion, guided by theoretical frameworks like Bronfenbrenner’s PPCT model. It concludes by discussing findings, limitations, and the enduring importance of VSCs in the European sports landscape.
The PPCT model, based on Bronfenbrenner’s socioecological framework, delineates nested structures containing individuals, including micro, meso, exo, and macro levels. Bronfenbrenner later expanded this model to include individual agency and characteristics, emphasizing proximal processes as crucial interactions within an individual’s ecology. Time was also incorporated into the framework, reflecting historical and temporal dimensions. However, the PPCT framework’s application, as seen in a study on newcomers’ resettlement experiences in sports, may overlook power dynamics, potentially reinforcing existing inequalities. Social inclusion, particularly for newcomers in sports, involves various levels from normative to transgressive, each with distinct implications for assimilation, adaptation, integration, and dialogue. While the PPCT framework provides insight into inclusion processes, DeLuca’s continuum offers a nuanced analysis of the types of inclusion involved.
The study, conducted as an integrative review following Whittemore and Knafl’s (2005) framework, encountered diverse literature. Opting for this approach allowed for comprehensive coverage. Following the recommendations of Whittemore and Knafl (2005), the review utilized various literature search methods and rigorously assessed selected studies. Data collection and analysis were structured according to the PPCT framework, facilitating a nuanced understanding of the subject’s complexity.
European Volunteer Sports Clubs (VSCs) play a significant role in addressing social issues and promoting societal integration. However, various challenges hinder their effectiveness in facilitating the inclusion of newcomers. These challenges include VSCs’ limited understanding of social inclusion, their organizational culture, and the outcomes of their practices. Many VSCs adhere to a normative understanding of inclusion, which may inadvertently prioritize the standards set by the dominant group. While language and cultural assimilation can aid in inclusion, they may also threaten newcomers’ identities. Scholars like Portes and Zhou argue that complete assimilation can harm migrants’ well-being by disconnecting them from their communities. Additionally, there is a lack of recognition of newcomers’ strengths and contributions within VSCs, leading to missed opportunities for integration.
Moreover, the perception of social inclusion among VSCs influences their organizational culture and practices. Financial resources are important, but the attitudes and approaches of individuals running the initiatives are paramount. VSCs that prioritize a welcoming atmosphere over competition tend to foster better inclusion. However, many VSCs focus on instrumental goals rather than the joy of sports, which may hinder their effectiveness. Ethno-specific sports clubs provide safe spaces but may face political scrutiny as “parallel societies.”
Furthermore, while this review focuses on VSCs, it acknowledges the value of informal sport settings outside mainstream sports. Non-attendance at VSCs may signal either social closure or newcomers’ agency. However, VSCs’ capacity to address structural issues is limited, and decisions often come from higher authorities. The review also highlights disparities in the treatment of different newcomer populations, such as Ukrainians receiving better reception than others, possibly due to factors like ethnicity and sports experience.
The review’s limitations include its reliance on English literature, potentially excluding valuable German research. It also overlooks distinctions within newcomer populations and the intersectionality of factors like gender. Despite these limitations, the review sheds light on the challenges VSCs face in fostering social inclusion and calls for a more nuanced understanding of newcomers’ experiences.
Source:
Mickelsson, T. B. (2024). European voluntary sport clubs’ enabling and constraining effects on refugees’ social inclusion: an integrative review. Sport in Society, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/17430437.2024.2338568