The Politics of Social Inclusion and Multiculturalism

Abstract

This response to Dr. Frisby's “Promising Physical Activity Inclusion Practices for Chinese Immigrant Women in Vancouver, Canada” supports the generous spirit and intentions of multiculturalism and social inclusion that suffuse “Learning from the Local.” It also contrasts public policy in British Columbia (or more specifically, Vancouver) regarding Chinese immigrant women with its American analog, public policy regarding the treatment of Mexican immigrants in Arizona's legislation SB 1070 and the English-only proposals in several states. Several questions are posed to move Dr. Frisby's research project forward, and some research studies examining the potential of sport and physical activity to accomplish the social integration of immigrants are cited. The importance of considering social inclusion in a contextual way is emphasized.