WHAT EVIDENCE EXISTS FOR THE SOCIAL BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING IN SPORT AND RECREATION?
It is generally accepted that sport and recreation have strong social benefits. Reports on these benefits are frequently cited by writers promoting the value of investment in sport and recreation programs. An annotated bibliography has been produced which provides information on approximately 100 Australian and international references that explore the social impacts of sport and recreation. The bibliography also assesses the strength of evidence for each impact and identifies the reported circumstances under which social benefits might be maximised. The bibliography has been grouped into categories based on the following potential social benefits:
1. Community pride/identity
2. Crime prevention
3. Development of life skills
4. Mood
5. Personal well-being
6. Self-esteem
7. Social behaviour
8. Social cohesion
The Social Impacts Bibliography provides some evidence for the social benefits of participating in sport and recreation, but this is by no means conclusive. In fact, some reports provide evidence of negative impacts or no impact. The full report has been loaded on the web site of the Australian Sports Commission and this can be accessed through the following address: http://www.ausport.gov.au/fulltext/2001/abs/socialimpact.asp
Further enquiries may be directed to Lisa Conolly, on (08) 8237 7402.
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