A theoretical understanding of foreign students' socialization experience through sport participation in a Singapore international school: developmental and humanistic–social constructionist perspectives

Abstract

This is a qualitative case study that discusses theoretically a group of foreign students' socialization experiences and identity development through their participation in a Singapore international school's sport programme. The analysis is based on both developmental and humanistic–social constructionist perspectives. The study itself draws on a multi-dimensional model whereby various factors and conditions are considered in relation to socialization in order to gain rich understanding. Relevant theoretical concepts from the developmental and humanistic–social constructionist perspectives are utilized to explain the research findings and to understand the phenomena through these particular theoretical lenses. At the same time, the study also aims to critically examine the viability of these theories for explaining the socialization processes of these students as they participate in formal and informal sporting activities.