The “diaspora” diaspora in sport? A systematic literature review of empirical studies

Abstract

The study and application of the concept of diaspora has grown from its original references to a particular group to encapsulate any individual or group living in a collective community. In the sociological study of sport, diaspora is applied in innovative but potentially problematic ways insofar as the concept of “diaspora” may lose its conceptual and theoretical roots. Given this – as well as the call for greater scholarly examination of diaspora and sport – this article offers a systematic literature review on studies concerned with diaspora and sport. Specifically, we critically discuss: (1) How was diaspora conceptualized? (2) What populations were studied and in what context? (3) How was diaspora examined (i.e. methodology)? (4) What were the results of the study (i.e. main findings and discussion)? In conclusion, we offer theoretical and conceptual dialogue and questions about the future study of diaspora and sport, as well as the application of the term diaspora to dispersed groups in sport contexts.