Racism in Sports: A Literature Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29408/porkes.v9i3.35555Keywords:
Racism; sports; racial discrimination; athlete; social mediaAbstract
Racism in sport is a global phenomenon that continues to persist and manifests in various forms, impacting athletes, the sporting environment, and social interactions. This study aims to analyze the phenomenon of racism in sport through a systematic literature review. The research method used a systematic literature review with PRISMA 2020 guidelines through the SCOPUS database using the keywords "racism", "racial discrimination", "sport", and "athlete". From 925 initial documents, after a screening process based on the last five years (2021-2026), English language, open access, and content suitability, 25 articles were obtained for thematic analysis. The results identified three main themes: (1) skin-based racism (44% of articles) manifested through stereotypes, limited facilities, and excessive surveillance of non-white athletes; (2) social racism (28% of articles) that develops through social media and institutional practices with the emergence of subtle forms (aversive racism); (3) specific forms of racism (28% of articles) including verbal abuse, intimidation, institutional discrimination, and normalization through jokes. Thirty-two percent of articles highlighted social media as a primary platform for racism, while the Black Lives Matter movement has been a form of resistance, although its effectiveness remains debated. The study's conclusions indicate that racism in sport remains a persistent global challenge, both directly and through social media. Raising awareness, anti-racism education, stricter enforcement, structural policy changes, and social support are needed to create an inclusive and equitable sporting environment for all stakeholders.
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