ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the central starting points for the scientific discussions on ‘sport and integration’ conducted in Germany. It describes the conceptual and theoretical points of reference in research on integration and sport in Germany. The chapter presents empirical studies at both the micro-level and meso-level. The first position of integration within sport focuses on active participation in sport, and in sports clubs in particular, by individuals with migrant backgrounds. The hypothesis generally investigated by researchers is that an educationally justifiable lifestyle in modern society includes engagement in sport, and that therefore participation in sport in everyday life and the acquisition of sport skills make good sense. The organizational theory analyses on the special structures of voluntary associations developed by Horsch in the 1980s and 1990s, using sports clubs as examples, play a critical role in this branch of research.
