Sport, Race, and Ethnicity

Abstract

AbstractThe social identity markers of “race” and ethnicity are critical elements of societies past and present; thus, they have shaped the way that sport accommodates (or otherwise) people of diverse backgrounds in respect of skin color and ancestry. The journey to greater ethnoracial inclusivity in sport has been fraught with enormous challenges, and although contemporary physical culture is hardly removed from bigotry and racial vilification, there have been significant and welcome changes. This chapter begins by providing insights into the concepts of “race” and ethnicity in society, which then allows for the exploration of sport as a vehicle for negotiating norms of participation, feelings of belonging, and initiatives to deter xenophobia. The prime focus is research developments pertaining to sport in the West and societies riven by settler colonialism.