Mapping the Impacts of Socio-Economic Background on Sport Participation: ‘A University of St Andrews Case Study.’
December 2023
Authors: Rhea Nazir, Raph Robeson, Milly MacKenzie, Adeline Shaw, Lucie Siu, Eleanor Summers, Peter Napier
Edited by Nina Harbison
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This paper investigates the influence of socio-economic background on student participation in sports at the University of St Andrews, focusing on motivation and ability. Drawing on social identity theory, social comparison theory, and economic factors, the first part explores how socio-economic background affects students’ motivation to engage in sports. The second part delves into the concept of ability, considering early development, geographical circumstances, employment status, and education. The analysis combines primary data from an online survey of St. Andrews students with relevant secondary research. The findings suggest that socio-economic background significantly influences motivation, with social comparison and social class playing crucial roles. Economic factors, such as family occupation and income, also impact motivation, particularly in terms of time availability and financial constraints. In terms of ability, early development, prior sporting experience, and geographical circumstances contribute to disparities in sport participation. Surprisingly, employment status and educational background have less discernible effects on participation. To address these findings, potential solutions are proposed, including making gym facilities more accessible, promoting inclusivity through cultural societies, offering free play opportunities, and organizing more informative events. The paper concludes that socio-economic background does influence student motivation and ability to participate in sports, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to enhance inclusivity and overcome barriers in the university sports culture.