What does inclusion mean in sport? A thematic synthesis of qualitative evidence across vulnerable groups

Inclusion is a widely promoted goal in sport policy, yet its meaning remains contested and inconsistently applied. This article presents a thematic synthesis of 25 peer-reviewed qualitative studies exploring the lived experiences, barriers, and enabling conditions of sport participation among marginalized groups, including women and gender-diverse individuals, ethnic and religious minorities, sexual minorities, and people with physical or mental disabilities. We systematically searched four major databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and PsycINFO) for qualitative studies published between 2013 and 2025 and, following (Thomas, J. & Harden, A. [2008. Methods for the thematic synthesis of qualitative research in systematic reviews. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 8, 45. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2288-8-45]) approach, conducted line-by-line coding of participant narratives and researcher interpretations, organizing findings into a three-level hierarchy (identity-based vulnerability; barriers and resources; situational themes). Four analytical themes captured cross-cutting dynamics: conditional inclusion and performative belonging; sporting normativity; tactical resistance and identity management; and relational inclusion as embodied recognition. Overall, the synthesis shows that inclusion is not simply about access or policy, but a negotiated and fragile process shaped by sociocultural norms and interpersonal dynamics, and it informs the development of a self-assessment tool for inclusive sport settings while offering evidence-based insights for researchers, practitioners, and policy-makers.