Social Capital: A Key Ingredient in the Development of Physical Activity Leadership
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2019
Publication Title
Journal of Teaching in Physical Educaton
Publisher
Human Kinetics
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2018-0057
Abstract
Purpose: This research investigated how social capital relates to physical education (PE) teachers’ abilities to facilitate physical activity (PA) outside of PE class in their schools. Methods: Twenty-seven elementary PE teachers were interviewed. Data were analyzed using a multistep qualitative coding process ending in a cross-case analysis. Results: Among the three components of social capital (trustworthiness, norms, and information networks), positive norms around PE, and more broadly, PA, were most important for creating a physically active culture in schools. Trustworthiness was important, but less so than positive norms, and information networks were relatively unimportant for creating a culture of PA. Time was a limiting factor, because without it, PE teachers could not develop the social capital needed to promote PA. Conclusions: Becoming a PA leader is not just a function of will and motivation; rather, PE teachers must be supported with time and positive norms around PE and PA, which requires engagement of district and school leaders.
Recommended Citation
Wenner, J.A., Tucker, K.M.B., Calvert, H.G., Johnson, T.G., & Turner, L. (2019). Social capital: A key ingredient in the development of physical activity leadership. Journal of Teaching Physical Education, 38(3), 241-251. https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2018-0057