Disengaged young males and the role of sport in addressing marginalisation

This paper presents some of the findings from the author's doctoral research into young males, sport and civic engagement. The paper will explore the ways in which young males are (and are not) disadvantaged, touching on the complexity of inequality amongst young people. Further, an analysis of the relationship between sport and dominant culture will provide a basis for outlining how sport may (and may not) be a pathway for disadvantaged young males to engage more fully in society. Of particular note will be a discussion of ways in which the research participants were able to locate themselves in a socio-political spectrum, and give examples of sport reflecting, reinforcing and resisting dominant culture.