Masculinity and the Inclusion of Girls and Boys With Refugee Backgrounds in Swedish Sports Clubs

Abstract

In this chapter, we discuss masculinity in relation to Swedish sports for children with refugee backgrounds. Specifically, we explore how the structure of sports shapes the distinct conditions for their athletic endeavours, including the traits associated with masculinity, which are perceived favourably in sports because they align with the physical and mental norms of male athletes, thereby reinforcing hegemonic masculinity. Moreover, we aim to show that perspectives valorising masculinity can frame children with refugee backgrounds as passive athletes who lack agency. Thus, we discuss two refinements of inclusivity in sports for children with refugee backgrounds in terms of (a) stereotyped notions of gender and refugees and (b) substantial links between desired masculinity and expectations of a perfect match with the Swedish sports system.

Citation

Carlman, P. and Hjalmarsson, M. (2024), "Masculinity and the Inclusion of Girls and Boys With Refugee Backgrounds in Swedish Sports Clubs", Mukherjee, U. (Ed.) Debating Childhood Masculinities (Emerald Advances in Masculinities), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 133-150. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80455-390-920241009