Beyond the game: Understanding prejudice development in basketball teams through sociological and Gestalt psychology lenses

Abstract In multicultural societies such as North Macedonia, ethnic prejudice is prevalent in many domains and layers among its citizens, including sports. This paper investigates the development of prejudice within basketball teams through an interdisciplinary approach, by integrating sociological and Gestalt psychology theories. Drawing from six focus groups, each consisting of five players ( N = 30), this study explores ethnic group dynamics in sports through basketball players from the youth league within the Basketball Federation of North Macedonia. Using thematic analysis, the study identifies themes that reflect narratives of prejudice towards members of different ethnic groups, specifically ethnic-Albanian players who are part of the biggest minority group in the country. The sociological perspective relies on Social Identity Theory, prejudice development, and social tensions, while Gestalt psychology theories add depth by examining the role of awareness and perception in intergroup relations through its fundamental figure-ground concept. By combining these perspectives, this study aims to offer a more comprehensive understanding of prejudice development in sports. Furthermore, it discusses implications for strategies to reduce ethnic prejudice within sports teams.