Sport, Social Capital, and Integration

<jats:p>This chapter argues that sport is not only a physical activity but also a strategic tool for building social capital among marginalized groups, including individuals recovering from addiction, disadvantaged youth, and migrants. From a social psychology perspective, sport functions as a catalyst for “bridging” and “linking” social capital, enabling excluded individuals to connect with the broader society and formal institutions. The chapter analyzes, both theoretically and practically, how sport reduces social stigma, facilitates positive social identity construction, and enhances subjective well-being, thereby cementing its role as an indispensable component of contemporary societal welfare policies.</jats:p>