Sport in sozialer Verantwortung

Taking responsibility and creating social justice—in view of current social developments, e.g., the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities or the influx of more than 1 million refugees in 2015—this demand is also becoming increasingly louder in the context of sport: different types of sport should help to solve social problems or to prevent social imbalances. To date, however, the assumption that sport can do justice to this task is empirically almost untenable. This article provides an introduction to modeling the topic of sport in social responsibility for the sport pedagogical discourse and presents action and research practices as well as research objectives using the example of a socially effective youth sport in school, clubs, and social work. Two research projects provide an example of the scientific contribution that sport pedagogy can make by examining approaches to sport-related social projects and their effectiveness. The evaluation of the WiO-Fit project was able to show how appropriate sport programs can “lure” socially and educationally disadvantaged youth who can be guided into appropriate coaching and counseling services, according to the individual problems outside of sports. The research results of the social project Gobox show the central role that intergenerational relationship management and language play when it comes to increasing the commitment of youth who would otherwise turn away from sports. This article not only highlights the potential of sport pedagogical research in this field, but also provides suggestions for interdisciplinary cooperation and research practice.     

Stress, Sport und Beschwerdewahrnehmung

Sport and physical activity are attributed with a positive influence on stress induced complaints due to their overall positive effect on health. The buffering effect on stress has not yet been clearly shown and the findings are inhomogeneous. The following article examines the buffering effect of sport and physical activity on different types of psychological and physical complaints. Therefore, a study was conducted questioning 453 people (M?=?53.56 years; SD?=?11.31) about chronic stress (Perceived Stress Scale), physical complaints (Gießener Beschwerdebogen) and their subjective physical activities (Energy consumption through physical activity – e.g. Soccer or Jogging) and energy consumption – daily bike and walking activity). A buffering effect on nearly all types of complaints could be shown through physical activity, but not through lifestyle activities. Physical activity acts complaint reducing on people suffering from increased stress. A more differentiated examination of the physical activity behaviour, the stress perception and the type of complaints might contribute to clearer findings.     

Sport, Sex und Erotik

The aim of this essay is to provide an overview of the aspects of erotic elements or eroticism in conjunction with sports. The body image and concept of the“homo sportivus eroticus” are promulgated by the media, in particular in visual form. The sportization of society has also not stopped at sex. Moreover, erotic or sexual attractiveness represents an essential motive for sports participation—to the same extent for men and women. Instances can be found in the history of sports illustrating the sexualization or eroticization of the athletic body as well as attempts to suppress or control sexuality through sports. Finally, with reference to Freud, the relationship between sports, sex and eroticism is considered from a theoretical perspective.     

Ethik, Natur und Doping im Sport

The question concerning criteria and reasons for prohibition of doping in sports addresses a current issue of sport sciences revolving around the concepts of nature and naturalness which has been discussed controversially for some time. Criticism concerning the conceptual incisiveness with which doping is designated as artificial, thus constituting an illegitimate form of enhancing sports performance, has led to the abolishment of a definition of its essence. Doping is currently defined pragmatically, i.e. as a violation against anti-doping regulations. Doping per se is what is prohibited. The fact that doping is defined normatively a priori raises doubts as to the ethical legitimacy of existing doping prohibitions and questions regarding criteria for including certain agents in the list of forbidden substances. Thus, as a symbol for a global halt to enhancement, prohibition of doping in sports and discussions on artificial performance enhancement are gaining importance in the field of biomedical ethics, i.e. in the debate on human enhancement and endeavours to perfect the human being through biotechnology.