Abstract
Sport and physical activity have widely been used as a tool for support, development, and social change (Spaaij, 2009; Coalter, 2010; Coalter 2012). Recognising the move from military to civilian life as a significant and possibly challenging life transition for many military personnel, sport and physical activity have also been used as a vehicle to support this change. This paper appreciates the varied experiences of veterans transitioning from the military and their engagement in the sport and physical activity programme; and seeks to understand the impact or influence this has. Drawing on data collected using an ethnographic approach, including over 440 hours of participant observations and 24 interviews, this study considers the performance and management of the multiple identities held by military veterans across the transition period and within the supportive sporting and physical activity sessions. Drawing on concepts from the work of Erving Goffman (1959; 1961; 1967) this includes the cultures created, the veterans’ presentation of self, and the team performances presented within the support focused sport and physical activity sessions. Reviewing these concepts in this context, implications for engagement and programme impact are also considered with recommendations for policy and practice.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Sporting Cultures and Identities
KEYWORDS
Sport, Physical Activity, Development, Military to Civilian Transition, Identity, Goffman
