Sport as a Site for Activism and Resistance

New research from CSMRE faculty affiliates, George Cunningham, Marlene Dixon, and John Singer, and their colleagues shows how sport can be a site for athlete activism and resistance. They show how sport has a prominent role in society, and as such, athletes’ and coaches’ voices are magnified. Athletes and coaches can then use their celebrity status to advocate for social change. Their likelihood of doing so depends on a number of factors, including their demographics, social justice orientation, and context. The effectiveness fo the message likely depends on the source credibility, and the recipient's demographics and involvement in sport.

Cunningham, G. B., Dixon, M. A., Singer, J. N., Oshiro, K. F., Ahn, N. Y., & Weems, A. (2021). A site to resist and persist: Diversity, social justice, and the unique nature of sport. Journal of Global Sport Management, 6(1), 30-48.