A case for ‘Collective Physical Activity’: moving towards post-capitalist futures

Dellacasa, Gianmarco; Oliver, Emily J.

Abstract

This paper makes the case for a post-capitalist oriented ‘Collective Physical Activity’ (Co-PA) to contribute to individual well-being and social change here and now, while working towards more equitable post-capitalist futures. We begin by underlining systemic issues that exacerbate inequalities, highlighting the need for a ‘leisure for all’ contributing to system change. We briefly critique dominant approaches to promoting sport and physical activity to target inequalities, suggesting three potential improvements: first, diverting attention from organized sport towards personally meaningful physical activities; second, focusing on bottom-up collective opportunities, rather than top-down ones; third, advocating for system change to foster hope and tackle societal issues at their roots. To this end, we propose Co-PA as an approach to physical activity for social justice, suggesting three core features: (i) meaning and enjoyment; (ii) collective engagement; and (iii) a post-capitalist outlook. Finally, we outline examples of how these principles could look like in practice.

Citation

Dellacasa, G., & Oliver, E. J. (2024). A case for ‘Collective Physical Activity’: moving towards post-capitalist futures. Annals of Leisure Research, 27(3), 435-453. https://doi.org/10.1080/11745398.2023.2208446

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 22, 2023
• Online Publication Date: May 3, 2023
• Publication Date: 2024
• Deposit Date: May 16, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: May 16, 2023
• Journal: Annals of Leisure Research
• Print ISSN: 1174-5398
• Electronic ISSN: 2159-6816
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 27
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 435-453
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/11745398.2023.2208446
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1172734