Abstract

This study investigated the role of informal sport settings (i.e. self-organised and non-voluntary sports clubs) in the social integration of Ethiopian and Eritrean women into Swiss society. Social integration seen as a multidimensional, interdependent process between the interaction of social bond, bridge and links; and two-way interaction between the migrant and local community. Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions (n = 12, 18–51 years old) was used to understand the interplay between social integration and participation in informal sport settings. The findings indicated that such settings have become a crucial sphere for establishing and rebuilding social contact, support systems, and a place of belonging, maintaining and celebrating one’s cultural identity. Social contact has particularly strengthened integration within the migrant community, and it also facilitates access to useful information, resources, and services, such as housing, education, employment, and healthcare. However, social integration into the local community through informal sport settings can be rather weak and limited and, in some cases, one-sided. Racism and discrimination on and off the field of sport continue to intensify existing social boundaries.

摘要

本研究调查了非正式体育环境（即自组织和非自愿体育俱乐部）在埃塞俄比亚和厄立特里亚妇女融入瑞士社会中的作用。社会整合被视为社会纽带、桥梁和联系之间相互作用的多维、相互依存的过程；以及移民与当地社区的双向互动。半结构化访谈和焦点小组讨论的主题分析（n = 12, 18-51 岁）被用来了解社会融合和参与非正式运动环境之间的相互作用。调查结果表明，此类环境已成为建立和重建社会联系、支持系统和归属地、维护和庆祝个人文化身份的关键领域。社会接触尤其加强了移民社区内的融合，也有助于获得有用的信息、资源和服务，例如住房、教育、就业和医疗保健。然而，通过非正式体育环境融入当地社区可能相当薄弱和有限，在某些情况下，甚至是片面的。体育领域内外的种族主义和歧视继续加剧现有的社会界限。