Participation and social cohesion through recreational and sports activities: a community strategy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v70.116882Keywords:
Community, participation, recreation, social cohesion, sportAbstract
Introduction: Participation in recreational and sports activities represented an effective way to strengthen social cohesion in urban and semi-urban communities, promoting a sense of belonging, solidarity, and collective commitment.
Objective: The objective of the research was to analyze the relationship between community participation in recreational and sports activities and the level of social cohesion in three communities in the province of Pichincha, Ecuador, assessing its impact as a social dynamization strategy.
Methodology: A quantitative approach was used, with a non-experimental, correlational, and cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 362 people selected through stratified probabilistic sampling. A Likert-type questionnaire was applied, and the data were analyzed using descriptive, correlational, and linear regression statistics.
Results: The results revealed a positive and significant relationship between participation in recreational activities and the level of social cohesion, being higher in communities with greater organizational continuity. The most strengthened dimensions were the sense of belonging and collective participation.
Discussion: When comparing the findings with other studies, agreement was found regarding the value of sports and recreation as tools for community transformation, highlighting the importance of participatory management and the appropriation of public space to strengthen social ties.
Conclusions: It is concluded that community recreation, when sustained and well-organized, constitutes a strategic tool for consolidating more integrated, resilient, and socially committed communities.
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