Social participation of people with disabilities in boxing and capoeira: a comparative ethnographic multi-sited focus

Abstract

This research focuses on the social participation of people with disabilities practising capoeira in Brazil and boxing in France. From a multi-sited ethnographic research, we observed that disability did not prevent social participation. On the one hand, capoeira and boxing are based on cultural values through which vulnerability and alterity are seen positively. On the other hand, the degree of socio-political participation is higher in boxing, because disabled boxers have had to stand up for disability rights in order to be officially recognized within the federal boxing system. Conversely, in capoeira, disabled capoeiristas have to follow the path of the master to be accepted, which gives them position for potential increase in the social participation of disabled people.

Notes

1. All the names have been changed to ensure anonymity.

2. The canne de combat means in French ‘martial art’, in which fighters use a cane.

3. A batizado is a ceremony in which capoeiristas of one group will change graduation together.