Speaker
Description
Description of the phenomenon
Sport-for-Development (SfD) literature primarily views power as either a dominating 'power over' force (Forde and Frisby, 2015; Nicholls et al., 2011; Hayhurst, 2009; Darnell, 2010; Mwaanga and Banda, 2014; Hayhurst, 2014; Saavedra, 2019; Banda and Holmes, 2017) or as an empowering 'power to' force to gain individual benefit (Hartmann and Kwauk, 2011; Adams et al., 2017). However, as many scholars argue, power is a fluid, ever changing – hybrid force.
Aim
The aim of this theoretical paper is to reflect on how ‘power’ has been conceptualised to date within the field of SfD as well as to stimulate a new discussion about a novel theoretical approach presented which considers a more holistic view of power.
Justification
Adopting a holistic view of power provides the potential to understand the manifestations of power by examining both dominant social structures and practices, alongside opportunities for agency. This theoretical paper presents the utility of a novel theoretical framework by connecting two existing theories of power: Lukes’ (2005) radical three-dimensional view and Coleman's social capital theory (Coleman, 1988, 1989, 1990) which together enable the exploration of power as both a productive (enabling) as well as repressive (constraining) force which is expressed through the constant action and interaction between actors.
Implications
This paper establishes a foundation upon which future SfD scholars and practitioners might theorise and critically reflect on issues of power, as well as deliberately articulate such manifestations in both research and practice.
