Sport, Homelessness, and Capability: Voices from the Street

ABSTRACT

To what extent does soccer increase the capability of the homeless and those living on the street? This study addresses this question by focusing on the ways in which the Homeless World Cup and Street Soccer (Scotland) have impacted upon the lives of some individuals. Primary source data obtained from a series of interviews are situated within Sen’s capability approach to social choice theory. The implications of the study contribute to policy by supporting the idea that sport can contribute as a resource of hope through the development of capability that impacts upon life chances and choices. It adds to a growing number of applied studies of sport that have critically used the work of Sen and it advances the way in which this body of work has been utilized in sport and related areas.

KEYWORDS:

• Sport
• homelessness
• poverty
• capability
• life chances and choices

List of Interviewees

Interview August 26, 2011, HWC player A

Interview August 27, 2011, HWC player C

Interview August 28, 2011, HWC player D

Interview August 28, 2011, HWC player E

Interview March 10, 2014, SSS player A

Interview March 12, 2014, SSS player B

Interview April 16, 2014, SSS player F

Interview November 5, 2014, HWC cofounder

Interview July 12, 2016, HWC player B

Interview June 5, 2017, SSS director A

Interview June 7, 2017, SSS director B

Interview June 10, 2017, SSS player C

Interview June 10, 2017, HWC player D

Interview June 10, 2017, SSS player F

Interview June 12, 2017, SSS player H

Interview June 16, 2017, SSS player I

Interview June 21, 2017, SSS player J

Interview June 26, 2017, SSS player K

Interview July 3, 2017, SSS player L

Notes

1. The term soccer is used throughout when referring to football, except where the term football, is used in a direct quote or interview.

2. We use the term CA throughout to refer to capability approach.

3. This study, while acknowledging a wide range of researchers who have engaged with the capability approach, is primarily informed by the work of Sen and in particular his recent reassessment of his contribution and critics.

4. We are grateful to the comments made by the anonymous reviewers, and the continuing co-operation, partnership, and access to HWC and SSS.

5. Alex Richmond is to be thanked for assistance with aspects of the research on the barriers to SSS experienced by some people.