Mechanisms of inclusion and exclusion

Inclusionary and exclusionary mechanisms that influence sport participation and positions of leadership in sport form a complex constellation of interacting factors and dimensions. Who can, who is allowed, and who is willing to participate in sport is influenced by institutional selection mechanisms as much as by individual options and choices. Socialization, disposable income, accessibility of sporting facilities, normative and discriminating structures and cultures, and sporting abilities and talent are interacting in/exclusionary factors that influence sport participation options among people with different social status positions (e.g., age, gender, and ethnicity). Changes in the facilitation and organization of sport can enhance an inclusive sport practice, which might also foster social inclusion in broader society. The focus of this article is on patterns of social inclusion and exclusion in (post)modern sport in Western countries such as the Netherlands. Using empirical data, we present and analyze the current status and development of central theories and governmental policies.