The overarching framework guiding this research suggests that the initial levering of progressive social opportunities begins with expectations of good governance of the MSE with a belief that more formalized arrangements may lead to the inclusion of the most vulnerable or affected groups ‘voices’ throughout the bidding, planning and delivery stages. In this research pathway the focus is on how relevant institutional actors, including international sport organisations, host governments, and host organizing committees operate to protect and promote rights through the platform of MSEs. Research enquiries will focus on the key actors involved in decision making during the pre-event (key leveraging potential), delivery, and post-event environment (s). These actors include:
- International sport organizations
- Host city stakeholders including local, regional and central governments and organizing committees
- NGOs and civil society groups
- Vulnerable and affected groups including persons with a disability, migrant workers, women, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, children and those experiencing socio-economic deprivation
The degree to which sport organizations and host city stakeholders formally open the decision-making process to vulnerable and excluded populations is critical to understanding the potential for democratization and increased accountability of the MSE to deliver on positive social outcomes, preserving and promoting the rights of affected groups. Ultimately, assurances of good governance and transparency by host organizations should be expected by International Sports Organisations as part of the bid process.
Current blog posts on Pathway 1: organizational characteristics, arrangements, and expectations