Non-disabled privilege in sports and active recreation: Challenging neoliberal ableist attitudes through human rights informed anti-ableism

Despite inclusionary policies in New Zealand, the existing socio-cultural and political systems continue to reinforce non-disabled privilege in the sports and physical activity environment. Bolstered by neoliberal ableist attitudes, concepts and practices, this non-disabled privilege excludes individuals whose bodily capabilities do not fit hypothetical able-bodied norms and standards. This paper explores neoliberal ableist attitudes and practices that contribute to non-disabled privilege and create barriers to disabled young people participating in sports and active recreation. In addition, the paper examines anti-ableist attitudes, informed by human rights, that challenge this privilege. We used Q methodology with 40 participants – physical education teachers, sports coaches, administrators and managers of sports and recreation clubs, classes and facilities – to uncover dominant viewpoints on sport and disability across the sports and active recreation sectors. The paper draws on data from interviews conducted with the participants. Our findings revealed neoliberal ableist attitudes and practices in relation to competition and winning, able-bodied privilege and resource allocation that favour the able-bodied in the sports, physical activity and recreation environment. We also found human rights-informed anti-ableist attitudes that challenge the able-bodied privilege and strive for the inclusion and participation of disabled young people. By illuminating how non-disabled privilege in sports and active recreation can undermine inclusionary policies, our research underscores the urgent need for change through rights-based strategies, policies and practices that can be leveraged to promote the inclusion of disabled youth in sports and physical activity, thereby advancing their human rights.