"I feel we are inclusive enough": examining swimming coaches' understandings of inclusion and disability

Andrew Hammond, Ruth Jeanes, Dawn Penney, Deana Leahy

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    33 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    In this study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight Victorian swimming coaches to examine the discourses of disability1 and inclusion that they expressed in relation to their current coaching practices. Analysis specifically pursued links between neoliberalism, ableism, elitism, classification and inclusion in coaching, with the intention of exploring what discourse relations are possible, imaginable and practical within what have been referred to as neoliberal-ableist times. Findings reveal that coaches replicate and reproduce elitist, ableist assumptions about the body and sport. The discussion prompts a consideration of how rationalities and techniques of inclusion are limited under the prevailing political context.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)311-321
    Number of pages11
    JournalSociology of Sport Journal
    Volume36
    Issue number4
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Dec 2019

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