Sport participation in immigrantsꞌ acculturation: a case of Korean immigrants

Abstract

Because sport participation has increased among Asian immigrants, studies have explored the relationships among ethnic identity, acculturation and sport participation behaviour, and have found a significant link between acculturation and participation. A grounded theory approach was used to examine the relationship between the sport participation and acculturation of 22 Korean immigrants. Open and axial coding were used to develop a conceptual model, relating to seven motives of participation. Two categories of outcomes were found to assist with acculturation and three means that the outcomes supported acculturation. The outcomes are in alignment with Ward’s (1996) psychological and socio-cultural factors. The conceptual model suggests sport participation reduced culture conflict and assisted in the acculturation process.

Keywords: Immigrants; Sport Participation; Acculturation