ABSTRACT
Through a personal journey as a volunteer and activist in the ‘Jungle’ refugee camp in Calais, this chapter outlines two distinct transformations: a personal transformation that acknowledged what skills a public sociologist could provide; and the importance of mundane interactions that can transform difficult situations, albeit briefly. Through this personal journey, the chapter seeks to argue that engaging in a critical sociology of sport that draws on activism and public engagement is the best way to support social transformations. This is done by remaining true to robust social science and utilising this knowledge for the benefit of marginalised groups. It does this by being aware of the power relations that underpin our social interactions. This critical reflection should also enforce high ethical standards so that the most vulnerable in our society are not exploited. It also calls for an awareness of the emotional impact of volunteering in difficult situations and reflecting on our own emotional wellbeing and how this impacts our time in the field. The chapter also argues that football is well placed to engage in this form of critical sociology of sport. It provides many opportunities to engage marginalised groups like refugees. Active engagement publicly, through voluntarism or activism, can bring our critical sociology to a wider audience, who in turn can try and influence their networks. It is through these mundane interactions that we can affect a social transformation, and actively change the world.
