Sport has the power to bring people together across cultural divides, but it can also highlight and amplify cultural differences. Cultural diversity has therefore become an increasingly important subject in the world of sport. This special issue seeks to explore diverse perspectives on cultural diversity in sport, with a particular focus on inclusion, representation and context.
We invite original research articles, review articles, and conceptual articles that address questions such as: How do cultural factors shape sport exercise, participation, and performance? What are the experiences of athletes and coaches from diverse cultural backgrounds in different sporting contexts? How can sports organizations and policy makers promote greater inclusion and representation of diverse cultures in sport? What role do media representations play in shaping cultural perceptions of sport, athletes and coaches?
Contributions from a range of disciplines and perspectives are welcome, including but not limited to sport and exercise psychology, cultural studies, sociology and sport management.
We encourage submissions that draw on diverse methodological approaches and draw on empirical data, theoretical debates, or practical implications. All submissions will undergo a rigorous peer review process to ensure high quality and originality.
Despite the global nature of sport, there is a wide disparity in the representation and inclusion of diverse cultures within many sports teams, leadership roles and organizations. This could contribute to the growth of the respective sports, but could also prevent potential talents from realizing their full potential, due to their cultural background.
It is then crucial to study the barriers to cultural diversity in sport, the benefits of culturally diverse sporting environments and to identify concrete measures enabling organisations, teams and governing bodies to promote and achieve cultural diversity.
Recently, progress has been made in awareness campaigns, such as the ‘Kick it Out’ initiative in English football, which have raised awareness of racism and discrimination, while promoting diversity and inclusion. Additionally, coaches, referees and athletic directors receive training to reduce unconscious bias and promote inclusive practices. However, more research is needed to understand the nuances of the problem and measure progress on this topic.
The editorial team aims to explore the vast landscape of cultural diversity in sport. We seek to understand the nuances, challenges and consequences of the interactions between culture and sport. This special issue calls on contributors to address diverse themes that examine this complex relationship, ranging from athletes’ and coaches’ experiences to social impacts.
Specific themes of interest should be related to, but not exclusive to: personal stories of athletes or coaches from different backgrounds, with emphasis on challenges faced, achievements and their unique experiences; explore how social norms from different cultures influence sports participation; analyze the representation of culturally diverse athletes or coaches in the media, including bias, stereotypes and positive portrayals; sport as a platform for integration and cultural assimilation in multicultural societies.
Information for authors: Please note that this research topic overlaps with several journals and sections. When submitting your manuscripts, please ensure that they fit within the scope of the journal and sections to which you are submitting.
