Alle Menschen werden Brüder: Lidmaatschap van sportverenigingen, vriendschappen, kennissenkringen en interetnisch vertrouwen [All people will be brothers: Sports club membership, friendships, acquaintanceships, and interethnic trust]

Abstract

This article examines the influence of sports club membership on ethnic distance from majority to minority members. Cross-sectional survey data on individuals, aged 18-70 years are used (N = 2.063). Sports club membership careers are retrospectively measured. First, logistic regression analyses show membership effects. Ever-members appear more likely than never-members to have an ethnic minority acquaintance and to trust ethnic minority members. Controlled for, amongst others, education and contact with ethnic minorities as colleagues, classmates and co-residents, results remain significant. Second, effects are considered of membership career circumstances, after taking into account the effects of confounding variables. A key finding is that involvement in multi-ethnic sports groups increases trust, while socializing and volunteering appear to respectively reduce the likelihood of acquaintanceship and trust. Interestingly, no differences are found between team sports and solo sports involvement.