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Blomqvist Mickelsson, TonyORCID iD iconorcid.org/0000-0003-2934-9313
Publications (10 of 23) Show all publications
Blomqvist Mickelsson, T. (2024). European voluntary sport clubs’ enabling and constraining effects on refugees’ social inclusion: an integrative review. Sport in Society: Cultures, Media, Politics, Commerce
Open this publication in new window or tab >>European voluntary sport clubs’ enabling and constraining effects on refugees’ social inclusion: an integrative review
2024 (English)In: Sport in Society: Cultures, Media, Politics, Commerce, ISSN 1743-0437, E-ISSN 1743-0445Article in journal (Refereed) Epub ahead of print
Abstract [en]

European governments have increasingly relied on voluntary sport clubs (VSCs) to address social issues, particularly refugees’ social inclusion. Contemporarily, millions of Ukrainian refugees have fled to neighbouring countries; VSCs are thus more relevant than ever. This review synthesised the research on VSCs’ enabling and constraining features regarding refugees’ social inclusion. The review was conceptualised according to Bronfenbrenner’s Process-Person-Context-Time framework and DeLuca’s spectrum of social inclusion. The key findings indicate that: (i) initiatives are propelled by individuals with pre-existing capital and a commitment to social justice; (ii) the interaction between the organisational culture of VSCs and these individuals plays a crucial role in achieving social inclusion; (iii) VSCs often overlook refugees’ strengths; and (iv) cross-sectoral collaborations prove beneficial for VSCs. In summary, to effectively address refugees’ social inclusion, VSCs need support, resources, intercultural education, and exposure to nuanced notions of social inclusion.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Routledge, 2024
Keywords
Migrant, immigration, refugees integration, acculturation, social inclusion
National Category
Social Work
Research subject
Baltic and East European studies
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:sh:diva-53784 (URN)10.1080/17430437.2024.2338568 (DOI)001196766500001 ()2-s2.0-85189972620 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2024-04-04 Created: 2024-04-04 Last updated: 2024-04-19Bibliographically approved
Blomqvist Mickelsson, T. (2024). Facilitating migrant youths’ inclusion into Swedish sport clubs in underserved areas. Nordic Social Work Research, 14(1), 121-135
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Facilitating migrant youths’ inclusion into Swedish sport clubs in underserved areas
2024 (English)In: Nordic Social Work Research, ISSN 2156-857X, E-ISSN 2156-8588, Vol. 14, no 1, p. 121-135Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

The Swedish sports movement has gained an increasingly profound role in addressing social issues. One such issue is migrant youths’ social inclusion in underserved areas, and the underlying assumption is that sports clubs fulfill an important function here. However, retaining migrant youths in organized sports in these areas is difficult, and sports clubs often struggle with the resources to satisfy social policies. This paper explored the practices of 12 experienced Swedish sports clubs to illuminate the strategies deployed to recruit and retain migrant youths in underserved areas. Sports clubs were conceptualized as local development-initiatives according to Rothman’s community work classification, and the results were analysed with Bronfenbrenner’s Person-Process-Context-Time framework. The results show that sports clubs are run by compassionate and locally embedded individuals, but that the representatives’ different forms of capital and sensitivity differentiate their success. Three processes are stressed as essential. Clubs need to establish robust relationships with migrant youths’ parents. Secondly, since clubs are contingent on driven, but strained, individuals, it is imperative to recruit and utilize (migrant) youth trainers. Finally, sports clubs must work in tandem with important institutions, such as the school. In summary, sports clubs must adopt creative strategies, and have resilience, time, and support. These findings indicate that enabling migrant youths’ inclusion into sports requires holistic solutions. 

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Routledge, 2024
Keywords
acculturation, Europe, Integration, migrants, voluntary sport clubs
National Category
Social Work
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:sh:diva-50467 (URN)10.1080/2156857X.2022.2155218 (DOI)2-s2.0-85144123481 (Scopus ID)
Note

This research was funded by a grant from Delmos.

Available from: 2023-01-02 Created: 2023-01-02 Last updated: 2024-04-04Bibliographically approved
Kassman, A., Kneck, Å. & Blomqvist Mickelsson, T. (2024). Hur kan ledare inom idrottsrörelsen navigera delvis motsägelsefulla förväntningar från utövare, föräldrar, styrelsen och staten?. In: : . Paper presented at Civilsamhällets särintressen och statens allmänintresse, Marie Cederschiöld högskola, Stockholm, 1 februari 2024..
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Hur kan ledare inom idrottsrörelsen navigera delvis motsägelsefulla förväntningar från utövare, föräldrar, styrelsen och staten?
2024 (Swedish)Conference paper, Oral presentation only (Other academic)
Abstract [sv]

Genom idrottsrörelsens verksamhet förväntas ett brett spektrum av mervärden, utöver enbart idrottslig utveckling och sportsliga framgångar. Främjandet av fysisk aktivitet, samhörighet, meningsfull fritidssysselsättning, social inkludering, integration, demokratisk fostran och brottförebyggande arbete bidrar till att motivera statlig och kommunal finansiering. I det implicita kontraktet mellan staten och idrottsrörelsen ingår även en aktiv strävan att vara öppen och tillgänglig för alla. Engagemanget för breddat deltagande utspelar sig i hög grad inom lokala medlemsbaserade föreningar, där ideella ledare står inför komplexa utmaningar. Ledaren har en nyckelroll, navigerar genom behov och förväntningar från utövare, föräldrar, styrelser och stat där egna förmågor och resurser blir avgörande. För att underlätta för den ideella lokala ledaren behövs olika former av stödstrukturer som behöver synliggöras tillsammans med ledarnas förutsättningar och bidrag till idrottsrörelsen.

National Category
Other Social Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:sh:diva-54046 (URN)
Conference
Civilsamhällets särintressen och statens allmänintresse, Marie Cederschiöld högskola, Stockholm, 1 februari 2024.
Available from: 2024-05-27 Created: 2024-05-27 Last updated: 2024-05-27Bibliographically approved
Blomqvist Mickelsson, T. & Seldén, D. (2024). Socialization in Sambo and Inter-Generational Transfer of Sambo Values. Italian Sociological Review, 14(2), 363-383
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Socialization in Sambo and Inter-Generational Transfer of Sambo Values
2024 (English)In: Italian Sociological Review, ISSN 2239-8589, Vol. 14, no 2, p. 363-383Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

The sport of sambo is the result of the Soviet legacy, embedded in a rich historical tradition that seek to guide its practitioners through life. Here, I explore how this legacy is expressed through its practitioners, specifically, post-socialist sambo-practicing migrants. I conceptualize sambo’s imprint as a structural and cultural conditioner according to Archer’s (1995) analytical dualism, predisposing them towards certain situational logics. When the sambo practitioners interact with local sport environments, several courses of action are discerned. For the first-generation migrants who are born into the ‘sambo way’, the influence of sambo weighs heavily in their decision-making. This is negotiated, and the agency plays a vital part when integrating into the mainstream sports-sphere. However, for migrants not born into the sambo doctrine, the influence is peripheral and diminished in favor of other, stronger, belief systems. In conclusion, sambo exerts a strong normative force, but the transmission between generations severely hampers the meaning and impact of sambo.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
QuiEdit, 2024
Keywords
critical realism, martial arts, Soviet Union
National Category
Social Work
Research subject
Baltic and East European studies; Politics, Economy and the Organization of Society
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:sh:diva-54264 (URN)10.13136/isr.v14i2.732 (DOI)2-s2.0-85195290570 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2024-06-19 Created: 2024-06-19 Last updated: 2024-06-20Bibliographically approved
Blomqvist Mickelsson, T. (2024). Sports clubs’ role in community capacity development: illustrations from the Swedish sports movement. Community Development Journal
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Sports clubs’ role in community capacity development: illustrations from the Swedish sports movement
2024 (English)In: Community Development Journal, ISSN 0010-3802, E-ISSN 1468-2656Article in journal (Refereed) Epub ahead of print
Abstract [en]

Strong political neoliberal currents in Sweden are directing attention toward communities’ responsibility to address local issues, particularly in disadvantaged areas. In parallel, community sports clubs in Sweden have gained strong traction as being sites where social issues can be addressed. In Swedish disadvantaged areas, where infrastructure is of poor quality, these clubs can be an important addition to statutory interventions, but they need to be further explored in terms of strategic pathways and conditions. Community sports have only recently been conceptualized with Chaskin’s capacity-building concept. In this paper, I seek to further stimulate this line of inquiry. By using material from two interrelated projects with informants in the sports movement, I show how sports clubs use multiple strategies according to three of Chaskin’s proposed strategies: leadership development, organizational development, and inter-organizational collaboration. By outlining an empirically dense illustration, this paper contributes to the research on sports clubs and their role in the community and provides suggestions on how strategical assessments must include how associations develop strategies online.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Oxford University Press, 2024
National Category
Pedagogy Sport and Fitness Sciences
Research subject
Baltic and East European studies
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:sh:diva-53464 (URN)10.1093/cdj/bsad039 (DOI)001152581700001 ()
Available from: 2024-02-05 Created: 2024-02-05 Last updated: 2024-02-12Bibliographically approved
Blomqvist Mickelsson, T. (2024). Ukrainian refugees and the Swedish sports movement: new opportunities and challenges. European Sport Management Quarterly, 24(3), 661-680
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Ukrainian refugees and the Swedish sports movement: new opportunities and challenges
2024 (English)In: European Sport Management Quarterly, ISSN 1618-4742, E-ISSN 1746-031X, Vol. 24, no 3, p. 661-680Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Research Question: The war in Ukraine has forced approximately eight million people into neighboring European countries. As part of sports clubs’ societal commitment, many have received Ukrainian refugees. However, compared to previous so-called ‘refugee waves’, forced migration from Ukraine is different in terms of demographics, culture, and (sports) traditions. This paper aimed to assess these ‘new’ nuances and their implications for the European sports movement. Research Methods: Data were gathered through 17 semi-structured interviews with Swedish sports club representatives, analyzed with a critical realist-inspired thematic analysis, and interpreted with Bronfenbrenner’s process-person-context-time framework. Results and Findings: The representatives expressed that Ukrainian refugees are more in-tune with organized sports compared to other refugee populations; however, there are also culturally discrepant ideas about sports. Specifically, there seems to be an influx of skilled (youth) refugees, who approach sports in ways incompatible with Swedish conventions about youth sports. While the sporting capital often enables easier inclusion, it also presents challenges in extreme cases. Implications: The findings show that the European sports movement must be attentive to new challenges and opportunities associated with the current humanitarian crisis. Sports representatives need to balance culturally sensitive approaches with ethical considerations regarding youth sports. 

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Taylor & Francis, 2024
Keywords
integration, migrants, refugees, sports clubs, Ukraine
National Category
Social Work Sport and Fitness Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:sh:diva-51213 (URN)10.1080/16184742.2023.2183230 (DOI)000942862300001 ()2-s2.0-85149387725 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2023-03-20 Created: 2023-03-20 Last updated: 2024-06-20Bibliographically approved
Blomqvist Mickelsson, T. (2024). Ukrainian Refugees’ Differentiated Treatment: A Critical and Systematic Review. Global Networks, Article ID e12502.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Ukrainian Refugees’ Differentiated Treatment: A Critical and Systematic Review
2024 (English)In: Global Networks, ISSN 1470-2266, E-ISSN 1471-0374, article id e12502Article, review/survey (Refereed) Epub ahead of print
Abstract [en]

This review examines the distinct treatment of millions of displaced Ukrainians amidst the ongoing conflict, compared to previous refugee groups in Europe, presenting a synthesis of research encompassing traditional and grey literature. Evaluating resettlement processes, the analysis underscores the unique factors shaping Ukrainian refugees' reception, shedding light on disparities compared to other refugee groups. Cultural perceptions, vulnerability, demographics and the framing of Russia as a common adversary influence responses from individuals, organizations and nations in unprecedented ways in Western societies. The discussion critically dissects these findings, proposing the concept of ‘promising victimhood’ for a nuanced understanding of differential treatment, while urging further theoretical development. This concise systematic review serves as a crucial benchmark for both academics and policymakers, emphasizing the need to address systemic injustices in refugee reception across various levels and sectors.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
John Wiley & Sons, 2024
Keywords
deservingness, integration, migrants, Ukraine
National Category
International Migration and Ethnic Relations
Research subject
Baltic and East European studies
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:sh:diva-54529 (URN)10.1111/glob.12502 (DOI)001285364300001 ()2-s2.0-85200657172 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2024-08-13 Created: 2024-08-13 Last updated: 2024-09-02Bibliographically approved
Blomqvist Mickelsson, T. (2024). Ukrainian refugees' reception in Swedish sports clubs: 'deservingness' and 'promising victimhood'. European Journal of Social Work, 27(2), 267-280
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Ukrainian refugees' reception in Swedish sports clubs: 'deservingness' and 'promising victimhood'
2024 (English)In: European Journal of Social Work, ISSN 1369-1457, E-ISSN 1468-2664, Vol. 27, no 2, p. 267-280Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

An emergent discourse along with a small, but growing, body of empirical research scrutinises how Ukrainian refugees are being treated differently compared to other refugee populations and how western societies construct 'hierarchies of victims'. For social work, a discipline designated to combat inequity, there is a strong incentive to understand if these hierarchies exist within welfare-providing organisations. This paper explores the Swedish sports movement's reception of Ukrainian refugees vis-a-vis other refugee populations through semi-structured interviews with sports representatives. The theoretical lens used is the perspective on 'promising victimhood', where refugees are framed as more or less worthy of the nation-state's protection and welfare benefit. The results show two themes. Ukrainian refugees are perceived to be culturally- and economically better 'performers'; they share Swedish values and are perceived as willing to contribute to Swedish society, whereas other refugee groups are depicted as lazy and culturally deviant. Second, the perception of Russia as a threat to Europe makes respondents sympathise to a greater extent with Ukrainian refugees. This sympathy is increased when representatives consider Ukrainian refugees' demographic characteristics: most are women and children. The results show that social work needs to be vigilant, and challenge, these ideas to not facilitate inequalities in refugees' reception.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Routledge, 2024
Keywords
Ukraine, sports clubs, integration, migrants, deservingness
National Category
Social Work
Research subject
Baltic and East European studies
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:sh:diva-51430 (URN)10.1080/13691457.2023.2196375 (DOI)000963326300001 ()2-s2.0-85152386991 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2023-05-08 Created: 2023-05-08 Last updated: 2024-03-26Bibliographically approved
Blomqvist Mickelsson, T. (2023). A morphogenetic approach to sport and social inclusion: a case study of good will’s reproductive power. Sport in Society: Cultures, Media, Politics, Commerce, 26(5), 837-853
Open this publication in new window or tab >>A morphogenetic approach to sport and social inclusion: a case study of good will’s reproductive power
2023 (English)In: Sport in Society: Cultures, Media, Politics, Commerce, ISSN 1743-0437, E-ISSN 1743-0445, Vol. 26, no 5, p. 837-853Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Recently, it has been suggested that critical realism offers a potential lens to understand sport and social change. This paper utilizes a case study with a Swedish martial arts club, renowned for its social inclusion culture and undertaking of a refugee initiative. I analyze this material according to Archer’s (1995) morphogenetic approach. The results show that several issues prevent the refugees’ social inclusion. According to the morphogenetic approach, these issues are due to structural- and cultural conditions, which partially set the stage for how the club responds to diversity. In contemplating incidents that hamper the initiative, informants deliberated how refugees fail to adopt specific ways of training and behaving. The narratives reflect the broader Swedish political climate concerning migrants’ adaptation, where assimilation, rather than integration, is preferred. Thus, the paper contributes towards the (critical) realist-understanding of sport and social inclusion and offers insights into generative mechanisms that underpin exclusionary practices.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Routledge, 2023
Keywords
social inclusion, critical realism, the morphogenetic approach, social change, migration
National Category
International Migration and Ethnic Relations
Research subject
Baltic and East European studies
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:sh:diva-48852 (URN)10.1080/17430437.2022.2069013 (DOI)000788980200001 ()2-s2.0-85129196524 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2022-05-02 Created: 2022-05-02 Last updated: 2023-07-14Bibliographically approved
Blomqvist Mickelsson, T. (2023). A Nordic sport social work in the context of refugee reception. (Doctoral dissertation). Huddinge: Södertörns högskola
Open this publication in new window or tab >>A Nordic sport social work in the context of refugee reception
2023 (English)Doctoral thesis, comprehensive summary (Other academic)
Alternative title[sv]
Ett nordiskt idrottsligt socialt arbete i kontexten av flyktingmottagande
Abstract [sv]

Idrotten antas gynna positiva utfall, såsom god hälsa, utökat socialt nätverk med mera, och har alltmer kommit att ta plats som en aktör som adresserar sociala frågor. Den här avhandlingen, som består av sex publicerade artiklar, undersöker de förutsättningar som krävs för att svenska idrottsföreningar ska kunna inkludera underrepresenterade grupper, såsom människor med migrantbakgrund. Detta görs delvis i kontexten av konflikten i Ukraina, där ungefär 50.000 ukrainska människor nu befinner sig i Sverige. I sin helhet visar studierna på att idrottsföreningar, ofta i socioekonomiskt utsatta områden, har ett stort jobb framför sig. Det krävs tid, systematik och olika typer av kapital för att idrottsföreningarna ska kunna jobba hållbart med inkluderingsfrågor. Idrottsföreningarna behöver ofta någon, eller flera, med personligt driv, stark lokal förankring, och en förmåga att knyta idrottsföreningen till andra aktörer i samhället. I kontexten av detta argumenteras det för att idrottsföreningar och idrottens samhällsnytta diskuteras mer explicit i samband med som i socialt arbete kallas ’samhällsarbete’, för att tydligare karva ut och konceptualisera idrottens roll inom socialt arbetes forskning. I den senare delen av avhandlingen undersöks inkluderandet av ukrainska migranter, och hur detta har upplevts av idrottsföreningarna. Detta görs både ur ett pragmatiskt och ett kritiskt perspektiv i avhandlingens två avslutande studier. Nästintill alla idrottsföreningar är övervägande positivt inställda till ukrainska migranter och hur dessa har välkomnats in i föreningen men i ett fåtal fall finns det viss friktion kring träningstraditioner mellan ukrainska barns föräldrar och svenska tränare. I den avslutande studien visas det även på hur ukrainska migranter pratas om som mer ’förtjänta’ av en god inkludering jämfört med andra migrantgrupper. Detta grundas i idéer om ukrainare som mer kulturellt lika svenskar, att dom inte utgör ett hot såsom andra grupper av flyktingar upplevs göra, och att ukrainare är mer villiga att bidra till svenska samhället än andra grupper. Sammantaget så kartlägger avhandlingen en rad viktiga faktorer att tänka på när idrottsföreningar jobbar mot underrepresenterade grupper, men visar även på att idrottsföreningar stundtals särbehandlar vissa grupper – detta strider då mot den vedertagna idén om att idrott är till för alla, som vägleder svensk idrottsrörelse.

Abstract [en]

Sports facilitate a range of positive outcomes, such as health, social networks and more, and have increasingly been considered a movement that is addressing social issues. This dissertation, consisting of six published articles, examines the necessary conditions for including underrepresented populations in Swedish sports clubs, such as people with migrant backgrounds. This is done, partially, in the context of the current conflict in Ukraine, where approximately 50.000 Ukrainians reside in Sweden. In summary, the studies show that sports clubs, often in underserved areas, have much work ahead of them. Time, consistency, and different types of capital are needed in order for the sports clubs to work in a sustainable fashion with social inclusion. Sports clubs need one, or more, individuals with personal drive, local anchoring, and with the ability to initiate collaborations with other important actors. Within this context, I argue that sports clubs should be more explicitly discussed in conjunction with what is known as ‘community work’ to more clearly carve out and conceptualize the role of sports within social work research. In the dissertation’s latter part, I explore the inclusion of Ukrainian migrants, and how this has been experienced by the sports clubs. This is done with both a practical, and critical, perspective in the dissertation’s two final studies. Almost all sports clubs are overwhelmingly positive towards Ukrainian migrants and how these have been welcomed into the sports clubs, but in a few instances, there have been frictions relating to ideas of training between Ukrainian youths’ parents and Swedish coaches. In the final study, I show how Ukrainian migrants often are talked about as more ‘deserving’ of being included compared to other migrant groups. This is grounded in ideas on Ukrainians as being more culturally similar to Swedes, that they do not pose the same security threat as other migrant groups are believed to do, and that Ukrainians are more willing to contribute to Swedish society compared to other groups. In summary, the dissertation maps out a range of critical factors to consider for sports clubs when they work with underrepresented populations, but also shows that sports clubs occasionally treat different groups differently – this conflicts with the idea that sports should be, equally, available to everyone; a guiding principle of the Swedish sports movement.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Huddinge: Södertörns högskola, 2023. p. 268
Series
Södertörn Doctoral Dissertations, ISSN 1652-7399 ; 220
Keywords
Ukraine, migration, sports, social work, Ukraina, migration, idrott, socialt arbete
National Category
Social Work
Research subject
Politics, Economy and the Organization of Society; Baltic and East European studies
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:sh:diva-51799 (URN)978-91-89504-45-5 (ISBN)978-91-89504-46-2 (ISBN)
Public defence
2023-09-22, MA648, Alfred Nobels Alle 7, Huddinge, 13:00 (Swedish)
Opponent
Supervisors
Funder
The Foundation for Baltic and East European Studies
Available from: 2023-08-16 Created: 2023-06-22 Last updated: 2023-08-18Bibliographically approved
Organisations
Identifiers
ORCID iD: ORCID iD iconorcid.org/0000-0003-2934-9313

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