Social stratification in sport and sport policy in the European Union

Abstract

The article is centered around the question whether the idea of sport for all is reflected in the participation profiles of the European Union 30 years after the ratification of the European Charter Sport for All. There is a long-standing and ongoing debate on whether socio-demographic and socio-economic aspects are still relevant factors to determine who becomes involved in sport and who does not. Empirical data and a comparative analysis of participation in sport in all 25 member states of the European Union are presented that facilitate reflection on the implementation policy of the idea of sport for all and add to the research literature on social determinants and stratification of sports participation.