Everyday bordering. Theoretical perspectives on national ‘others’ in sport and leisure time physical activity

Abstract

While it is well documented that sports events can reinforce nationalism, less attention has been given to how borders are drawn to mark off groups whose national identity is questioned in connection with their everyday sports and leisure practices. This article aims to develop a conceptual framework for studying such collective identification processes that not only include some but also exclude ‘others’ from the nation. To do so, we draw on postcolonial and transnational feminist scholars’ descriptions of politics of belonging and everyday bordering that place non-western women in a position as ‘others’. The utility of such a conceptual framework is illustrated in analysing current political and public discourses about Muslim women’s sports and leisure practices that demarcate this group from belonging to the nation. Further, we discuss the contributions and limitations of this conceptual framework and point towards related perspectives that can further develop research with national ‘others’ in sport.