Identity, Recognition or Redistribution through Sport?

Abstract

Identity has long since been a key concept within historical, sociological and philosophical enquires into sport. This article asserts that identity politics in sport is not enough and alternative forms of thinking about identity need to challenge the conventional wisdom that identity for identity sake is sufficient. By introducing the notions recognition and re-distribution this research attempts to move the field of sport on. Only by looking at alternative conceptions of the links between identity, redistribution and recognition can we meet the requirements of justice for all through and in sport. This article addresses the following concerns (i) sport in the age of identity politics; (ii) from identity politics to recognition through sport and (iii) from recognition through sport to redistribution and social justice.