Positionality

• Understanding one's own social identity and its impact on perspectives in sports and ethnicity

Terminology

• Social Constructs: Distinctions based on physical/genetic traits (e.g., skin color, hair type)

• Cultural Characteristics: Shared attributes of a social group (e.g., language, beliefs, history)

Ethnic and Racial Structuring of Canada

• Historical context of unequal ethnic relations, particularly between:

  • Indigenous/Non-Indigenous

  • Anglophones/Francophones

  • Settlers in Canada

• 1988 Canadian Multiculturalism Act:

  • Encourages preservation of cultural identities

  • Aims to foster a sense of belonging among citizens

Canadian Multiculturalism Act

• Emphasizes support for newcomers in retaining cultural identities

• Increase in visible minorities (1/5 of total population as of 2017)

Indigenous Peoples

• Lack of acknowledgment of Indigenous peoples as original inhabitants

• Ongoing struggles for self-determination and human rights within Canadian context

Race and Ethnic Relations

• Social relations among groups create power dynamics—privileges some over others

• Critical examination of opportunities for participation and resource access in sports

Democratization of Sport

• Importance of participation rights irrespective of social characteristics

• Involvement in shaping experiences and meanings in sport is crucial for equity

Examples in Professional Sport

• Donnelly's Quote: Highlights democratization in sports

• Current decision-makers in sports (owners, coaches) predominantly white

• Under-representation of minorities in ownership roles

Systemic Racism in Sport

• Historical exclusion of minorities from competitive roles

• Direct examples: bans on black jockeys and Indigenous competitors

• The naming of minority athletes with descriptors to indicate inferiority

Non-Whitestream Race and Ethnic-Structured Sport Systems

• North American Indigenous Games:

  • Targeted for Indigenous athletes

  • Athletes can compete based on their identified gender

• Goals:

  • Improve quality of life (QOL) through self-determined athletics

Theories of Marginalization

• Examines exclusion and marginalization based on ethnicity

• Barriers faced by female athletes, resulting in fewer resources and opportunities

Francophones and Sport in Canada

• History of under-representation in national teams

• Need for language access and equitable services in both French and English

• Shift in expectations for inclusivity and support for Francophone athletes

Race in Sport Analysis

• Contrast in societal narratives regarding behavior of white vs. black athletes

• Social meanings associated with skin color privilege white individuals

• Incidence of discriminatory treatment based on perceived race