The complex and uncertain work of moving toward effective social development through sport: a sociological reflection on the Italian case

Sport has historically been recognized to play an important role in societies across the world, be it in the form of competitive sport, physical activity, or play. The use of sport as means of social intervention promotes social integration, encourages an active lifestyle, and serves as an educational tool and means of local and social development. It can play a significant role as a promoter of social integration and economic development in different geographical, cultural, and political contexts: overall, sport-based projects are appreciated as solutions and prevention of 'social problem'. The impact of sport on individuals is also accepted in terms of their personal and social development, employability, health, and re-engagement in education. A consequence of this wide recognition, since the 1990s, a specialist field has begun to emerge in Italy where organizations operate, often in partnership, at the local, national, European, or global level to bring about social development through sport. The variety of the initiative implemented in this area and the number of projects carried out by the Italian organizations offer an interesting point of view to better understand the effectiveness of sport to achieve development issues. In this light, the paper seeks to reflect on the Italian case to inform the complex and uncertain work of moving toward effective social change through sport.