Short answer
Rethink sports business models to prioritize ecological sustainability and community well-being over perpetual economic growth, focusing on shared resources and reduced environmental impact.
- Field
- Sustainability
- Source
- International Review for the Sociology of Sport (2024)
- Method
- Participatory mixed-method approach involving backcasting and a Delphi survey.
- Sample
- 21 sports experts
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Integrating Degrowth principles into the sports industry can shift focus from constant economic growth to sustainable practices by emphasizing resource sharing and community-based, low-impact approaches. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2024 study published in International Review for the Sociology of Sport. Using Participatory mixed-method approach involving backcasting and a delphi survey. with 21 sports experts, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Rethink sports business models to prioritize ecological sustainability and community well-being over perpetual economic growth, focusing on shared resources and reduced environmental impact.
Degrowth principles can foster resource sharing and community-centric practices in sports to combat climate change.
Integrating Degrowth principles into the sports industry can shift focus from constant economic growth to sustainable practices by emphasizing resource sharing and community-based, low-impact approaches.
International Review for the Sociology of Sport · 2024
Key Findings
- 01The sports sector needs to move beyond the belief in constant economic growth.
- 02Sharing resources and ensuring inclusive access are crucial for addressing climate change.
- 03Adopting community-centric and low-impact practices is essential for sustainability.
Application
Design takeaway
Rethink sports business models to prioritize ecological sustainability and community well-being over perpetual economic growth, focusing on shared resources and reduced environmental impact.
How to apply
When designing sports events or products, consider how to maximize resource utilization, encourage community participation, and minimize environmental impact through shared infrastructure or equipment.
Project actions
- 01Consider how your design project can promote resource sharing among users.
- 02Investigate how community involvement can reduce the environmental impact of a sports activity.
- 03Explore alternative business models that don't rely on constant growth.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Utilizes a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative expert insights with structured survey techniques.
- +Addresses a critical and timely issue at the intersection of sports, economics, and environmental science.
Limitations
The Delphi method relies on expert consensus, which might overlook novel or dissenting viewpoints. The scope is limited to the sports industry.
Reliability & validity
The Delphi method aims for consensus among experts, enhancing the validity of findings. Reliability would depend on the consistency of expert responses and the rigor of the backcasting process.
Think critically
To what extent can the principles of Degrowth be practically implemented in a highly commercialized global sports industry without significant economic disruption?
Design Principles
"Prioritize ecological and social resilience over relentless economic expansion in design and operational strategies."
The sports industry, like many sectors, faces increasing pressure to address its environmental footprint. This research suggests a paradigm shift away from growth-at-all-costs towards models that prioritize ecological well-being and community resilience, offering a framework for long-term viability.
What This Means for Your Design
This study suggests that instead of always trying to grow bigger, the sports world should focus on sharing resources and being kinder to the environment to deal with climate change.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use the findings to justify a design approach that prioritizes sustainability and community.
- 2.Reference the study when discussing the environmental impact of sports and potential mitigation strategies.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research highlights the need for the sports industry to adopt Degrowth principles, emphasizing resource sharing and community-centric, low-impact practices to address climate change. This suggests a design approach that moves beyond maximizing growth towards fostering ecological resilience and inclusive access.
Source
International Review for the Sociology of Sport
Navigating the playing field: Reimagining the sports industry in the face of accelerated climate change
journal · 2024
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about degrowth principles can foster resource sharing and community-centric practices in sports to combat climate change?
- Rethink sports business models to prioritize ecological sustainability and community well-being over perpetual economic growth, focusing on shared resources and reduced environmental impact. Evidence: International Review for the Sociology of Sport (2024).
- Why does "Degrowth principles can foster resource sharing and community-centric practices in sports to combat climate change." matter for design?
- The sports industry, like many sectors, faces increasing pressure to address its environmental footprint. This research suggests a paradigm shift away from growth-at-all-costs towards models that prioritize ecological well-being and community resilience, offering a framework for long-term viability.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Rethink sports business models to prioritize ecological sustainability and community well-being over perpetual economic growth, focusing on shared resources and reduced environmental impact.
- What were the main findings?
- The sports sector needs to move beyond the belief in constant economic growth.. Sharing resources and ensuring inclusive access are crucial for addressing climate change.. Adopting community-centric and low-impact practices is essential for sustainability.
- What research method was used?
- Participatory mixed-method approach involving backcasting and a Delphi survey. with 21 sports experts.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2024 journal from International Review for the Sociology of Sport.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing sports events or products, consider how to maximize resource utilization, encourage community participation, and minimize environmental impact through shared infrastructure or equipment.
- What are the limitations?
- The study's findings are based on expert opinion and may not fully represent the diverse perspectives within the entire sports industry or the general public.