From Aspiration to Transformation: Causes and Consequences of Athlete Migration
Subject Areas : Research Journal of Sociological of Sport
1 - PhD Candidate in Sports Sociology, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran
Keywords: AthleteMigration, Factors Influencing Athlete Migration, Consequences of Sports Migration, Cultural and Psychological Challenges,
Abstract :
Introduction: Athletes migrate in pursuit of better financial conditions, advanced infrastructure, and more favorable competitive opportunities, as well as to escape socio-political constraints. This trend is particularly evident in Iran, given the structural challenges faced by the sports sector, and calls for a comprehensive and strategic examination. Methods: This study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative research. In the qualitative phase, content analysis of library and documentary sources was conducted. In the quantitative phase, field data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to athletes, coaches, and sports managers, and analyzed using SPSS software. The integration of these two approaches enabled a comprehensive and detailed examination of various dimensions of athlete migration. Results: The results indicated that the primary reasons for athlete migration include economic factors (higher wages and professional contracts), professional factors (better infrastructure and training and competitive opportunities), and socio-political factors (discrimination and instability). Migrant athletes face challenges such as cultural incompatibility, psychological pressures, and identity issues. Moreover, migration leads to a decline in competitive capacity and a brain drain for the country of origin, while the host country benefits from enhanced sports performance and strengthened cultural interactions. Conclusion:Athlete migration is a complex and multidimensional process that can be analyzed through the lenses of Structural Inequality Theory, Human Capital Theory, and Cultural Globalization Theory. This phenomenon provides opportunities for professional growth and cultural exchange, yet if mismanaged, it can lead to the erosion of the sporting capacity of origin countries. Targeted policymaking and comprehensive legal, psychological, and cultural support are essential for optimal management, transforming athlete migration into an opportunity for advancing global sports and cultural development.
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