Page 45 - Sportability

SPORTS AS CATALYST

FOR SOCIAL INCLUSION

SURBHI SINGH
Durgabai Deshmukh College of Special Education
March 2024

Abstract
The present paper traces the relation between By applying this ecological perspective to
sports and inclusion in reference to persons with inclusive sports initiatives, we can recognize the
diverse abilities. In the realm of sports, the idea of interconnectedness between various factors
social inclusion acknowledges the diverse nature of influencing sports participation, such as social
athletes with disabilities and uses this diversity as support networks, organizational structures, and
a foundation for developing theories and practices societal attitudes towards diversity and inclusion.
aimed at inclusivity in sports. Sports have always This holistic approach allows us to identify barriers to
played a vital role in cultivating a sense of camaraderie social inclusion in sports at different ecological levels
and belongingness. The transformative power of and develop comprehensive strategies for fostering
sports not only acts as a boon for the well-being of inclusivity across all levels of the sports ecosystem.
an individual, however, it works in breaking down
barriers, challenging stereotypes, and creating With this foundational understanding of
opportunities for marginalized groups to participate. Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, we now
This paper will begin by first locating Bronfenbrenner’s turn to examine the specific mechanisms through which
ecological systems theory and then go on to explore its social inclusion is fostered in sports environments,
application in the context of sports and social inclusion exploring the barriers, benefits, and best practices in
for individuals with diverse abilities. Through a promoting inclusivity and empowerment.
comprehensive study, this paper aims to elucidate
the transformative power of sports as a catalyst for Understanding Sports as a Catalyst
breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, Let’s first try to understand what exactly we mean by
and fostering inclusivity both at the individual and the term “catalyst.” According to one of the definitions
community level. provided by Merriam-Webster, a catalyst is described as
“an agent that provokes or speeds significant change or
Bridging Social Inclusion in Sports with action.” This definition goes on to make us understand
Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory that catalyst refers to something that triggers a change
Drawing on Urie Bronfenbrenner’s (1979) Ecological or process, often by promoting or enabling it without
Systems Theory, our exploration of social inclusion in being directly involved or affected by it.
sports takes into account the multifaceted interactions
between individuals and their environments. Moreover, when we consider “sports” as a catalyst,
Bronfenbrenner’s framework underscores the we are referring to the myriad ways in which sports
importance of understanding youths’ activities within shape an individual’s life, fostering both physical and
the context of their social and ecological systems. personal development. For individuals with diverse
According to this theory, individuals are influenced by abilities, having this driving force becomes even more
multiple layers of environmental systems, including the imperative. It allows them to break free from the
microsystem (immediate surroundings), mesosystem confines of seclusion or the constraints of predefined
(interactions between microsystems), exosystem roles. It offers them a platform where they can not only
(external environments indirectly affecting individuals), enhance their physical capabilities but also experience
and macrosystem (cultural and societal influences). growth in various aspects of life.

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