Sixteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

This case study uses the sport of tennis as an example of industry lacking diversity and inclusion due to its historical inaccessibility - by design and intent - and lack of affordability for most low-income communities in the United States. As a result, it has been historically seen as an elitist, ‘white privilege’ sport. For example, high participation costs and various structural factors of this non-traditional sport prevent under-resourced children from joining programs that more affluent children can enjoy. Most solutions to address this issue ‘patch’ the surface problems but do not change the overall system. As the COVID-19 pandemic created challenges across many aspects of our lives, it has also created an opportunity to rethink the existing structures and institutions that have historically produced a system of oppression for many. It is an opportunity to create better, more inclusive systems that work for everyone, including the most under-represented populations. This study researches and employs a set of tools to dismantle the system of tennis industry and re-assembles it into a more diverse, inclusive universe of tennis – the “Pluriversal Tennis”. It presents a conceptual model that can guide design of practical, system-changing solutions. It includes a visual diagram - “The Map of Tennis Pluriverse”. The idea of dismantling it is to go beyond conventional research methods (such as cost-benefit analysis) and employ other tools, including action research, critical design, reflexivity, and ultimately leading to a more pluralistic way of knowing.