Title: C.L.R. James and a place for history in theorising 'sport for development and peace'

Authors: Simon C. Darnell; Tarminder Kaur

Addresses: Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, 55 Harbord Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2W6, Canada ' Interdisciplinary Centre of Excellence for Sport Science and Development, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Road, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Institute for Reconciliation and Social Justice, University of the Free State, 205 Nelson Mandela Drive, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa

Abstract: Recent research suggests the need for robust theory building in the field of sport for development and peace (SDP). Recognising this, we argue for further attention to, and appreciation of, the historical context within which many SDP initiatives and research projects take place, with particular focus on the history of colonialism as it relates to sport. Drawing on the foundational work of C.L.R. James, we suggest that an historical approach, informed by insights from postcolonial theorising, encourages analyses of ambivalence, hybridity and even irony in the field of SDP. We use James' insights, and recent appraisals of his work, to offer specific theoretical insights for the study of SDP, with a particular focus on social actors in context.

Keywords: international development; colonialism history; postcolonialism; irony; C.L.R. James; sport for development and peace; SDP; ambivalence; hybridity.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSMM.2015.074919

International Journal of Sport Management and Marketing, 2015 Vol.16 No.1/2, pp.5 - 17

Received: 04 Feb 2015
Accepted: 20 Aug 2015
Published online: 24 Feb 2016 *

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