Re-centring Class in Physical Education and Community Sport

This chapter provides a critical exploration of the academic discussions and debates vis-à-vis social class, physical education (PE) and community sport that underpin this edited collection. Firstly, the centrality of social class, both as an enabling and constraining structural force, is highlighted and situated within a PE and community sport context. Secondly, this chapter offers a brief analysis of the social, cultural, political, historical, geographical and economic factors that shape the current global state. Thirdly, the impact of neoliberal policies and the prevalence of stigmatising discourses are explicated in order to comprehend their role in shaping PE and community sport. Fourthly, this chapter explores the multitude of ways in which class is (and has been) defined and the challenges that this presents, particularly for researchers. Fifthly, the importance of analysing class through an intersectional lens (i.e. appreciating the relevance of other identity markers such as ‘race’, gender and ethnicity) is laid claim. Sixthly, this chapter justifies the necessity to study social class by drawing upon a diversity of theoretical frameworks in order to understand the concept and phenomena. Lastly, a synopsis of each chapter that comprises this edited collection is provided.