“Hands off”: responsibilizing low-income citizens through fee assistance programs

Abstract

ABSTRACT Rationale To critically examine fee assistance programs (FAPs) through the lens of responsibilization and discuss the implications of creating access to sport for low-income families. Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 volunteers and administrative staff from community sport organizations in New Brunswick who facilitated FAPs for their organizations. Findings Four themes were constructed and discussed, illuminating how FAPs responsibilize low-income families: (1) Don’t advertise, don’t share: Applicants do all the work; (2) Passive but efficient: Processes of FAPs; (3) It’s always the parent: Communication of FAPs; and (4) You have to take ownership: Families need to be accountable. Practical implications This study is valuable to practitioners interested in understanding how FAPs may cause harm by excluding low-income families. Research contribution This study demonstrates how responsibilization is evident in facilitating FAPs in community sport organizations in New Brunswick and the consequences of creating access to community sport.