Igniting the Power of Digital Participatory Research: The DREAMING in Sport Lab

Digital participatory Research in Equity, Access, Mobility, Innovation aNd Gender in Sport Lab

Supported by the Canadian Foundation for Innovation and the Ontario Research Fund, the goal of the DREAMING in Sport Lab is to DREAM big. We aim to re-think and better understand the intersections of sport/gender/mobility/climate change/social justice/development. Led by Dr. Hayhurst, our lab members use a range of research method/ologies, but all are exposed to digital participatory research approaches (DPR). We think this approach enables us to dive deeply into the dynamic, fulsome and lived experiences of folx involved in sports, recreation, physical activity and play while focusing on issues like gender, social justice, health, and human rights.

What We Do:

Upholding Diverse Voices: We strive to collaborate with co-researchers to better highlight the voices, perspectives and stories of those often overlooked in sport, physical activity and recreation programs – especially those focused on gender, social justice, equity, mobility justice and local/global development. Much of our research critically examines the (dis)connections between sport and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Innovating Research: We push the boundaries of theories in physical cultural studies and social justice by centering the perspectives of the people who are directly affected by these initiatives.

Shaping Policies: By amplifying these voices, we aim to influence a wide range of policies in diverse contexts to better serve marginalized communities.

Why DPR Matters:

Digital Participatory Research utilizes the power of digital visual storytelling – using photos, videos, participatory GIS mapping and other techniques – to bring together a diverse range of voices on a variety of issues in creative, unorthodox ways. We use this approach to try and provide opportunities for a wide range of perspectives to be heard on social (justice) issues. Our hope is that we can then provide richer, more nuanced and more inclusive insights and draw attention to issues that may often go understudied or overlooked.

Our Impact:

Through DPR, the DREAMING in Sport Lab strives to uncover hidden social dynamics and deep community needs, offering a fresh perspective on how – for example – sport for development and peace programs can genuinely benefit everyone involved. We turn data into stories and stories into action, and our hope is to drive meaningful change in the world of sports, social justice and beyond.

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Watch this space for further updates and follow us on twitter: @dreaming_lab