More than just exercise
A grounded theory of the social integration process through sports participation for aging migrants
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 24230341 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Luo Wei (0000-0001-6012-0758, Yancheng Institute of Technology), Kunyan Wang (0000-0002-2588-9796, Yancheng Institute of Technology) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-17 |
| Publication date | 2026-04-24 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Culture Sport Society (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1461-0981 • E-ISSN: 1743-0445 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/17430437.2026.2661640 |
| OpenAlex | W7155531540 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 53 |
Based on a grounded theory analysis of 34 in-depth interviews with aging migrants in urban China, this study develops a process model to explain how sports participation facilitates their social integration—conceptualized as a multidimensional progression towards structural, relational, and psychological belonging. The findings reveal a dynamic, four-stage process. It is initiated by Embodied Bridging, where activities like group dancing provide a non-linguistic, low-stakes platform for initial social contact, circumventing linguistic barriers. This foundational stage enables Relational Embedding, simultaneously strengthening intergenerational family bonds and activating interest-based community networks to replace lost social capital. These new social structures then foster a Psychological Metamorphosis, wherein individuals reconstruct self-narratives and build identity efficacy through physical skill mastery and recognition. The process culminates in Role Transformation, as individuals acquire valued, achieved social roles, moving beyond the ascribed status of migrant. The resulting theoretical framework integrates embodied, social capital, and identity perspectives, offering a context-specific explanation of the integration journey. It provides actionable insights for developing community sports initiatives that can strategically support the well-being and social inclusion of aging migrants.
community sports · Identity · language barriers · role transformation · sense of belonging · Social capital · social inclusion · Social integration · sports participation · urban China · Migration, Refugees, and Integration · Physical Education and Sports Studies · Sports, Gender, and Society
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| Highly cited | No |
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