Sporting practises as an acculturation element of immigrant population in the host societies

Abstract

This article begins by analysing the conditions which must be integrated into physical activity and sport in order to aid the process of acculturation of the immigrant population in host societies in structural-functional, social, cultural and identification terms. This analysis took as a reference the Relative Acculturation Extended Model by Navas et al. (2004), based on the studies by Berry (2002, 2006). It then sets out the main studies and investigations which have been con- ducted into immigration and sport, both at national and international level. Finally, various proposals are presented for specific interventions in the conclusions section. All of this information constitutes a fundamental reference point in the adoption of sporting policies which genuinely aid a process of integration of the immigrant population in host societies.