Disciplining the active leisure performer: Swedish sport federations and outdoor recreation organizations’ work with environmental sustainability

This study aims to analyse the efforts of the Swedish sport federations and outdoor organizations? work in promoting environmental sustainability and the influence of their strategies on their work. The study utilizes data from 25 sport federations and outdoor organizations? websites, and 19 interviews with key employees working with sustainability issues. The data were analysed from a Foucauldian understanding of power as both productive and disciplinary. One key finding is that organizations acknowledge their ability and responsibility to contribute to sustainable development and serve as a productive force. They aim to change their members? habits and norms through disseminating knowledge, to discipline individuals according to certain expectations. However, challenges arise due to voluntariness, democratic governance by members and other norms that may prioritize different goals over environmental sustainability. It is crucial to consider the inherent objectives of sports and outdoor recreations and use their transformative potential to drive change.