Deconstructing the Role of Media in Sports, Leisure & Culture: Studying Disadvantaged Groups

Sports, Leisure and Cultural facilities have over the passage of time become more commercialized, and as a consequence, they are turning to be not only expensive, but in the process, increasingly exclusive for people living under disadvantageous positions and neighborhoods. Naturally, activities and situations vary in contexts, but then in all cases the cultural, sportive and leisurely practices can assist in formulation of social cohesion and harmony within communities.

Youth dwelling in disadvantaged neighborhoods do not have proper admittance to a full range of leisure, sport, and cultural openings because they have become progressively more expensive and exclusive, or there is a deficiency of information about available opportunities. Also, very often, they are not always aware of the range of such opportunities that are available to them. The Youth should have access to accessible, affordable and youth-friendly sports, leisure and cultural opportunities.

Public authorities should recognize that leisure, sport, and culture have many benefits and should make out ways how the local public can decide about different policies and programs that support sport, leisure and culture. Furthermore these authorities should ensure that sport, youth work and other activities are accessed by young men and young women from different cultural backgrounds.

The role of media in identifying these gaps is indeed useful. The media has more access to know how of the education facilities; access to health facilities; access to information; access to employment opportunities and access to non-formal education and youth participation. This study traces results from an outcome of a study in Portugal on youth between the age of 18 – 27 years and demonstrates how the media can be used to promote and disseminate social rights as they have a broad idea of the gaps and how it can be used to the best advantage for disadvantageous groups.