Research articles

The quest for legitimacy: Discussing the rational myth inherent in ‘Sport for development and peace’

November 7, 2024

Niklas HafenDepartment of Sport Sciences, Linnaeus University, Sweden

During the twenty-first century, the sport for development and peace (SDP) movement has emerged, which conceptualizes sport’s contribution to international development. As of today, there are hundreds of programs worldwide where sports are used to obtain different development and peace objectives. The SDP movement has subsequently turned into a recognized and legitimate component of the global development sector. In this respect, it has evolved into an institution, not least given the social construction of sport as a vehicle to bring about development and peace. In this article, two Scandinavian SDP programs serve as examples: LdB FC for Life in South Africa (sport and HIV/AIDS prevention) and Open Fun Football Schools in Moldova (sport and peace building). Drawing on a case study methodology, representatives (i.e., initiators, sponsors/donors and local personnel affiliated with the two programs) have been interviewed. Furthermore, observations in South Africa and Moldova have been made targeting the practical implementation of each endeavor. Finally, websites and additional written documentation about current programs have been analyzed to see if the proclaimed objectives match the practical outcome. Consequently, the aim of the article is to analyze the relationship between rhetoric and practice surrounding both projects. Even if both programs have good intentions, the result in this article shows it can be hard to align the proclaimed objectives with the practical implementation. Drawing on neo-institutional theory, this relationship is further investigated using the concepts of rational myths, decoupling, organizational hypocrisy, mimetic isomorphism, and moral legitimacy. On this basis, the findings suggest that the presumed positive notion of sport as a means for different societal outcomes can be both praised and criticized.

Click here to read this peer reviewed article in Scandinavian Sport Studies Forum, Vol. 15, 2024

NIKLAS HAFEN holds a PhD in Sport Sciences and is working as a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Sport Sciences, Linnaeus University in Växjö since 2020. He is also the program director of the Coaching and Sport Management Program at the same department. Niklas completed his PhD in 2016 at Malmö University targeting the “Sport for development and peace” sector from a Scandinavian standpoint. His scientific interests are focused on sport management issues from a wide range of perspectives. In addition, he has worked for the Swedish Sports Confederation’s regional office in Malmö with follow-ups and evaluations.