Moving towards post-capitalist futures: ‘Collective Physical Activity’ with peripheral young adults in the North East of England

Abstract

Background: The physical activity sector has recently experienced an increased focus on research and policy addressing the social determinants of inactivity and related inequalities. Concurrently, wealth and health disparities have been increasing dramatically, and the climate crisis is pushing humanity towards a crossroads between widespread destruction and system change. In this context of global crises and rising socio-economic inequalities, this thesis explores the potential need for alternative approaches to physical activity and its associated inequalities.

Theory and methodology: To scrutinise this proposition, the thesis first surveys relevant contexts, literatures and premises that this research examines, including the role of capitalism in growing inequalities, as well as literature and interventions related to physical activity and Sport For Development (SFD). Subsequently, it proposes a novel post-capitalist theoretical approach, ‘Collective Physical Activity’ (Co-PA), which aims to promote physical activity here and now while reflecting on alternatives to the status quo. It then presents empirical work conducted with peripheral young adults in the North East of England, a region characterised by socio-economic deprivation and high levels of physical inactivity. Then, it analyses the application of Co-PA principles in the research design, beginning with qualitative semi-structured individual interviews, followed by group workshops based on principles of critical pedagogy, and culminating in the co-design of physical activity actions.

Outcomes and analysis: Participants were interviewed about their views of physical activity, community, and society more broadly. They highlighted significant material barriers to physical activity, including work commitments, lack of free time and financial constraints while also individualising responsibility; they also showed general awareness of inequalities alongside a sense of disempowerment and difficulty to imagine alternatives to the status quo. They later participated in workshops inspired by Freirean critical pedagogy aimed at fostering democratic and participative discussions about physical activity as well as socio-political topics. These workshops started shifting participants’ views towards the need for systemic solutions, while they also found empowerment in the physical activities that they perceive as personally meaningful, such as walking, valued for being an accessible option that allows them to be active on their own terms, with friends and in nature. Participants finally co-designed physical activity actions primarily centred around walking, which I analyse as a synthesis of the material barriers encountered and the empowerment supported by the critical pedagogical discussions.

Concluding remarks: Integrating my interpretations and theoretical propositions with the participants’ views and experiences, the arguments presented in this thesis provide some support for engaging with post-capitalist concepts as a potential avenue for sport and physical activity initiatives that have social justice at heart. This experimentation with the Co-PA approach is presented as just one way of politically engaging with physical activity amidst escalating socio-economic and environmental challenges, with the aim to strengthen its contribution towards significant system change. In fact, the thesis calls for adaptations or alternatives that may emerge from the expertise of scholars, community organisations, social movements, and independent groups of people.