Subjective Functions of Participation in Sports or Games: A Comparison of Findings in Israel, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the Philippines

Using the 2007 International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) Surveys on Leisure Time and Sports, this research paper looks at sports, games and physical activities most frequently participated in in selected Asian countries.  More importantly for this study, it examines the subjective functions that taking part in sports or games serve, i.e., as a means of social interaction, competition with others, or for the betterment of one’s personal well-being.  On the topic of subjective functions of participation in sports or games, the study specifically compares the importance of 1) physical and mental health, 2) meeting other people, 3) competing against others and 4) looking good as reasons for taking part in sports.  Cross-country comparison of the findings focus on Israel, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the Philippines, in particular.