Rookwood, J: Social Development in Post-conflict Communities

Civil and transnational conflicts continue to threaten peace in contemporary society, notably in Africa and the Middle East. When conflicts are resolved peacebuilding and social development serve as key challenges facing fractured communities. Some NGOs have responded to the need to stabilise social order, using a variety of mechanisms including sport. Football has proven useful in this regard due to its popularity, uniformity and suitability in local contexts. Football projects have been developed to encourage segregated groups and individuals to congregate in shared space to partake in communal sporting and social experiences. However, little is known about the value and implications of such projects. This book examines the use of football in building peace and promoting social development, focusing on case study projects in Liberia and Israel. The book is structured as a research project, which guides readers through the process of project investigation and implementation. It examines related literature, methodological theory and context-bound reflections on the focus, rationale, challenges and possibilities associated with implementing such initiatives.