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This paper refers to the widespread notion that voluntary (sport) organizations produce social capital, popularized through the works of Robert D. Putnam, and compares social trust levels of sport club members with members in other voluntary associations and non-members. We differentiate between in-group trust and out-group trust, highlighting that not only the level of trust but also the “trust radius” counts for social cohesion in modern societies. Refining Putnam’s claims, we argue that social trust among members varies with the quality and intensity of participation captured (for instance, through volunteering), diverse social contacts and the level of membership trust experienced in an association. Based on a nation-wide survey, carried out in Germany during 2017/2018, it is demonstrated that members of civic associations indicate higher levels of trust towards in-groups and out-groups compared to non-members and they regard present society as more solidary and trusting. A fine-grained analysis among members of associations further shows that increased trust is typical for volunteers and individuals in socially diverse associations which, at the same time, are characterized by high levels of membership trust. We conclude that sports clubs need to provide beneficial context conditions for producing high levels and a wider radius of trust.

Abstract:After the long summer of migration, strong social and political movements of solidarity with and resistance against refugees developed in Europe. Expressions of solidarity and resistance were also recognisable in the sport system, especially in voluntary sport clubs (VSCs). As a result of this observation, the following article addresses the question: "Which organisational conditions of VSCs promote or hinder the implementation of sport activities for refugees?" To this aim, the article analyses and discusses the results of three research projects concerning sport offers for refugees in Germany. The interview material (n=49) collected in these projects was examined through the qualitative technique of thematic analysis and interpreted through a systems theoretical framework. The results show that conditions that promote and hinder the implementation of sport offers for refugees were identified in all formal (decision programmes, communication channels, and human resources) and informal (organisation culture) decision premises. Furthermore, the implementation of sport offers for refugees is particularly dependent on human resources within the sport clubs. The data shows that the resolute will of individuals or small groups of people is highly relevant for the implementation of these sport offers. Finally, when it comes to organizing support for refugees, VSCs display an unexpected dynamic and a high capacity to mobilise resources within a short period of time. The discussion reflects these results and articulates strategies to safeguard, foster, and facilitate the social engagement of VSCs in relation to refugees.

Zusammenfassung. Der Beitrag befasst sich mit der Frage, ob die Beteiligung am Sport generell (Indikator: Häufigkeit des Sporttreibens) und speziell die Teilnahme am vereinsorganisierten Sport (Indikator: Sportvereinsmitgliedschaft) einen Beitrag zur Entwicklung eines positiven Selbst- und Körperkonzepts leisten kann. Datengrundlage bildet eine standardisierte Längsschnitterhebung von 219 Mädchen und 184 Jungen, die zum Zeitpunkt der Erstbefragung im Durchschnitt 12½ Jahre und zur zweiten Messung etwa 16 Jahre alt waren. Sportlich hoch aktive Jugendliche schätzen sich knapp vier Jahre später im Vergleich zu sportlich wenig aktiven Altersgleichen als sportlich fitter und kompetenter ein, und sie nehmen bei sich weniger Figurprobleme wahr. Die Entwicklung positiver Beziehungen zu Gleichaltrigen ist hingegen weniger von der Sportbeteiligung als vielmehr von dessen sozialer Rahmung abhängig, erfasst über die Sportvereinszugehörigkeit.

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