Basketball, Culture and Society in a Devolved Context: A Qualitative Analysis

Citation

Walker R (2024) Basketball, Culture and Society in a Devolved Context: A Qualitative Analysis. PhD Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences. University of Edinburgh. https://era.ed.ac.uk/bitstream/handle/1842/40966/WalkerRS_2023.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

Abstract
This thesis investigates the potential of basketball as a tool for development in Scotland. It provides an original conceptual synthesis of knowledge that offers a critical narrative concerning the evolving relationship between basketball, development, and society alongside the limits and possibilities of basketball in Scotland. The study adopts the interpretivist paradigm alongside qualitative methodology. It consists of an exploratory mixed-methods approach which utilises audio-visuals, documents and reports alongside semi-structured interviews and embeds a case study design. The research comprises four empirical chapters: The Development and History of Basketball in Scotland; Grassroots Basketball in Scotland: basketballscotland; Community Basketball in Scotland: Blaze Basketball Club; and Professional Basketball in Scotland: Caledonia Gladiators Basketball Club. Findings indicate that basketball helps develop people, communities and nations through capability building processes. To generate optimal developmental outcomes through basketball, a collaborative, democratic, intentional, person-first, community-driven, needs-motivated, ground-level led system bound by connections alongside relationships, underpinned by passionate people is required. The earlier people are introduced to basketball and the longer they remain in basketball environments, the greater the potential for developmental outcomes. To maximise results, basketball in Scotland must address its main limitations: funding; lagging opportunities; participatory barriers; Scottish basketball’s disjointed community, nature, positionality, and system; alongside Scotland’s sporting culture.

Keywords
Basketball; Capability; Culture; Development; Scotland; Society