Summaries of entries in social capacity and social cohesion

The definition and measurement of sport’s contribution to aspects of social capacity, social cohesion and social capital present researchers with considerable methodological difficulties. The entries in this section seek to address such issues at various levels: large scale sports development programmes; the community impact of amateur and professional sports clubs; the role of sport and volunteering in developing pro-social behaviours and organisational cohesion; sport’s role in developing peer relationships and the meaning of sport for minority ethnic groups with differing attitudes to social and cultural integration.

Burnett addresses some of these issues in attempting to measure the social impact of a junior sports development programme in South Africa. She proposes a multi-dimensional impact assessment approach, drawing on a range of academic disciplines and operating at macro, meso and micro levels. Using a Sports Development Impact Tool, with small samples, she illustrates that the inclusive, non-competitive programme reduced social distance between teachers and pupils; enabled female teachers to break-down male-dominated barriers; enabled children to broaden their knowledge of each other.

More broadly, Driscoll and Wood explore the role of sport and recreation clubs in periods of social and economic change and their contribution to development of social capital in a rural Australian community. On the basis of a household survey and group discussions they conclude that sports clubs have the potential to perform wide-ranging socio-cultural functions, including leadership, participation, skill development, providing a community hub, health promotion, social networks, community identity.

Using survey data and the contingent valuation method, Johnson et al tentatively conclude that a major USA ice hockey team provides a unifying element to civic life (although they question the balance between costs and benefits).

On the basis of an analysis of school records, Langbein and Bess illustrate that larger schools with interscholastic sports programmes experience reduced disturbances and increased levels of cooperation and pro-social behaviour. The hypothesis is that such programmes reinforce group and sub-group cohesion. The issue of pro-social behaviour is also central to Eley and Kirk’s analysis of a volunteer programme for young sports leaders. Their data is used to illustrate the contribution that sports volunteering can make to the development of pro- social and altruistic orientations.

Smith reviews literature relating to issues about peer relationships in physical activity settings and the contribution of peers to self-perception, moral attitudes and behaviours. Concentrating on friendships and group acceptance, Smith suggests that the physical domain is an ideal context for developing a deeper understanding of peer relationships.

At the level of group integration, the Scott Porter research examines the meaning of sport for minority ethnic groups with differing attitudes to social and cultural integration. They suggest that providers need to adopt a theory of change approach to the provision of sporting opportunities to diverse ethnic minority populations (this approach is also recommended by many of the contributors in the Participation section). At each stage it is necessary for providers to identify, and be sensitive to, the perceived and real barriers to participation, although it is suggested that there are few community-specific barriers..

Much of the work in this section remains at the developmental stage and indicates the need for a range of inter-related research at various levels:

• The influence of differing socio-economic and cultural contexts on sport’s contribution to social cohesion and social capital.
• The contribution of various professional sports teams to civic life.
• The role of sports in developing social capital within schools and the impact on behaviour and educational performance.
• The value of sport in promoting quality peer relationships.
• The role of peers in facilitating, or delaying, sports transitions and their centrality in athletic and global self-identities.