Bridging the Divide: The Role of Sport Events in Contributing to Social Development Between Disparate Communities

Abstract

Background / Statement of the problemSport events offer valuable experiences to participants, supporters, and other stakeholders while its impacts are of significant economical, political, social and psychological importance. From a social perspective, sport has been described as a language which all people in the world understand and speak and which is able to emotionally unite groups (Dyreson 2003). However, despite the increased recognition and use of sport and event projects as important contributors to the social fabric of multicultural societies, evaluations of inter-community sport events for the purposes of social development have largely been overlooked. Most 'evidence' in the event area is based on anecdotes and symbolic gestures suggesting that sport events can contribute to reconciliation and intergroup development. To fill this gap, this thesis empirically investigates the ability of inter-community sport events to contribute to social development in divided societies.Research question and objectives of the dissertationResearch questionWhat is the role of inter-community sport events in contributing to social development between disparate groups?Objectives1. Understand the socio-cultural experiences that arise from intercommunity sport events.2. Investigate how inter-community events impact on people's social identities and group categorisations.3. Identify the roles and responsibilities of a change agent in facilitating community development projects.4. Understand how positive relations can be sustained and leveraged beyond the event.5. Identify the implications for social development through sport events resulting from this research.MethodologyThis research is located within an interpretive paradigm informed by qualitative methods - an approach to research that portrays a world in which reality is viewed as socially constructed, complex, and ever changing (Denzin and Lincoln 2005; Glesne 1999). Interpretive studies aim to understand the context of a case or a phenomenon through the meanings that people assign to it. As expert knowledge is often situated in local cultures and imbedded in interactional sites (Denzin and Lincoln 2005; Crotty 1998), qualitative researchers interact and talk with participants about their perceptions and take an 'inside view' from participants' perspectives.Empirical research was conducted around two inter-community sport events in war-torn Sri Lanka, where data was collected from disparate Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslim communities and international organisers through focus groups, in-depth interviews and participant observation. Through careful interpretation and analysis of people's experiences, feelings, ideas and concerns new knowledge was created.ResultsThe data revealed that people experience both positive and negative socio-cultural impacts at events, which influence the stock of social capital available to communities. On the positive side opportunities to socialise, interact and cooperate with 'others' contribute to cultural learning, feelings of increased comfort and trust, and the establishment of networks. On the negative side, social development can be undermined by attitudinal differences and management tensions. Different experiences were found to influence the way people see and categorise 'others' in group identity terms. When positive experiences dominate and social connections are enabled, the creation of multiple inclusive social identities can be achieved along national and organisational lines, common interests, and imagined factors. This supports the claim that inter-community events can contribute to inclusive social change and a sense of togetherness and belonging.It was further found that international 'change agents' are required to find the right balance between guiding sport event projects and allowing local communities to engage and participate. …