Sport and social inequality

Abstract

This research review argues that social inequality is the primary influence on sport participation inequalities in Scotland, but has been underplayed in policies to address diversity. Commissioned by the Observatory for Sport in Scotland, it first explains the concept of ‘social inequality’ as material deprivation (Section 1), and provides a statistical overview of how low income and disadvantage are patterned across the Scottish population (Section 2). Section 3 then collates evidence on the relationship between social inequality and sport, and identifies marked disparities in aggregate participation levels, but limited detailed analysis. Staff in the Scottish sport sector nonetheless regard training in engaging people disadvantaged through social inequalities as a priority. Section 4 examines the multiple ways in which people are affected by social inequality, and the factors sport providers should address. Section 5 concludes by offering an agenda to redress the neglect of social inequalities in sport in Scotland, through contributions from sport policy, practice and research.