Department of Diversity Studies

Our research and teaching focus on key issues in (sports) sociology concerning the lines of conflict and social inequalities in access to society’s collective goods, which include sports. Gender diversity and shifts in gender relations, demographic change driven by migration, and calls for inclusion reflect a society increasingly shaped by social diversity, yet these developments are accompanied by specific challenges (e.g., lack of social participation, discrimination, and violence). These developments also affect sports. This is where we begin, examining the questions of what meanings and consequences the increasing diversity of the population has for sports, its organizations, and individuals; which structural and cultural conditions hinder or support access to sports and equitable participation for different groups; and which approaches are conducive to the empowerment of individuals, inclusion in sports, and the constructive management of diversity and participation in sports.

Our research focuses on social science-oriented diversity, gender, and inequality studies, and, building on this, specifically on research into discrimination and violence in sports. The research projects of the research group are theory-driven and empirically oriented and fundamentally pursue the overarching goal of knowledge transfer to society and the sports sector. In doing so, we collaborate both within the university and nationally and internationally with other universities and organizations in the fields of sports, politics, and society.