Sport means ‘family and church’: sport in New Zealand Pasifika communities Research Completed
Title
Sport means ‘family and church’: sport in New Zealand Pasifika communities
Lead Author
Barrie Gordon , Pale Sauni, Clark Tuagalu
Publication Year
2013
Publisher
Asia-Pacific Journal of Health, Sport and Physical Education: Volume 4, Issue 1, 2013
Contacts
Barrie Gordon PhD
Senior Lecturer
Curriculum Leader
Health and Physical Education
Victoria University of Wellington
New Zealand
E-mail: Barrie.Gordon@vuw.ac.nz
Phone: 64-4-463 9770
Abstract
This study was conducted to gain a better understanding of the role that sport plays in New Zealand Pasifika communities. Eight focus groups and six key individuals were interviewed using a Talanoa approach. Spirituality, family and friends, the developing of life skills, fitness and health, and the release of aggression were all seen as important outcomes from participation in sport. Sport was conceptualised in a variety of ways by those interviewed. These differing conceptualisations of sport, many of which differed markedly from the traditional viewpoint, have ramifications for those working and researching in this area. While participants’ experiences of sport were predominately positive, sport was also seen in a negative light by others. The negativity of some towards sport also suggests the need to consider reframing, reducing, or possibly replacing sport with alternatives when looking to promote physical activity.
Keywords:
Pasifika, talanoa
How to access
Areas of Focus
Population Groups
Settings (location)
Provision (delivery type & infrastructure)
Topics
Barriers, Benefits, Capability, Delivery, Impacts- social, Management, Participation, Planning, Policy, Professionals
Views
2109
Added
March 18, 2013
Last Modified
March 18, 2013