Socio-economic and cultural determinants of sports participation in Switzerland from 2000 to 2008

Abstract

This study analyses how socio-economic and cultural variables have impacted on sports participation in Switzerland across time. Theories in behavioural economics are used to formulate a core model assessing the central budget restrictions to sports participation. The analysis is expanded to include intercultural differences between the three Swiss language regions and a longitudinal time perspective. Data is taken from nine waves of the Swiss Household Panel (2000–2008). A descriptive account of trends in sports participation and the variables influencing it over time is followed by regression analyses. Results show a continuation of significant inequalities in Swiss sports participation (in terms of age, income, education) as well as sociocultural differences across language groups. Nonetheless, it can be seen that sport has become more socially permeable over time (socio-economic convergence), and there are also clear signs of sociocultural convergence processes.