An in-depth study on the meaning of sport for the social reintegration of (formerly) incarcerated people

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to explore how sports contribute to the social reintegration of (formerly) incarcerated individuals. The focus lays on the perspectives of participants in sports activities in a Belgian prison. The research utilized participatory observations and semi-structured interviews spanning eighteen months. The data were processed through a thematic analysis by using the Capability Approach as a theoretical lens. The findings reveal how participants attribute meaning and crucial factors to sports, viewing it as essential for fostering aspirations, hope, and establishing connections with other aspects of life. The ‘Going for Goals’ sports programme, therefore, plays a key role in shaping a realistic and positive outlook on their future and life after detention.

KEYWORDS:

• Prison
• reintegration
• social work
• sports
• sports programme
• in-depth study
• Capability Approach

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek [grant number: 11I1822N].