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Jacques, Bradley (2023) Idyllic or isolating? Rural Britain, social capital and physical activity. Masters thesis, University of Gloucestershire. doi:10.46289/QVMZ6189
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Abstract
The belief that rural Britain is an idyllic landscape has become a part of everyday discourse and can be attributed to the growing number of families migrating to countryside villages (Shucksmith, 2004; 2012; Tyyrell & Harmer, 2010; Bernard, et al., 2019). Within this research project, Rural Britain has been defined as a town or village with a population of less than 10,000 (Department of Food, Environment and Rural Affairs, 2017). The ‘idyll’ discourse does not always account for what it is like for young people (15-25), who are transitioning from childhood to adulthood and may face unique challenges impacting their inclusion in wider society (Glendinning, et al., 2003; Shucksmith, 2004). Therefore, individuals who can invest in their social capital could gain access to new opportunities and experiences that enable a smoother transition (Black, Scott & Shucksmith, 2019). Community groups such as sports organisations are often seen as positive environments whereby social actors can formulate new social connections in line with the concept of social capital (Coalter, 2007; Nicholson & Hoye, 2008). An increase in social capital can create a more harmonious community and enable an individual to receive certain economic benefits, for example, job opportunities or access to new experiences (Bourdieu, 1986; Putnam, 2001a). This research project utilised a social constructionist lens, allowing a greater appreciation of the various life experiences the participants have had (Crotty, 1998). Data was collected through a series of participant observations coupled with a set of focus groups. Furthermore, this project will be theoretically informed by Pierre Bourdieu’s ‘Theory of Practice’ which offers an understanding of the behaviours, thoughts and feelings of people, utilising the fundamental concepts of, habitus, field, doxa and capital. This project argues that can sport act as a vehicle for the generation of social capital, often enabling young people to make strong social connections (Putnam, 2001a; Coalter, 2007; Nicholson & Hoye, 2008; Nichols, Tacon & Muir, 2013). Additionally, participants perceived the countryside as a positive place to live, due to the natural beauty and freedom the environment offered them (Tyyrell & Harmer, 2010). However, they equally believed that the lack of access to transport and travel was a drawback to living rurally, and this contributed to feelings of isolation from mainstream society (Shucksmith, 2004; Black, Scott & Shucksmith, 2019).
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) | |||||||||
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| Subjects: | G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races |
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| Divisions: | Schools and Research Institutes > School of Education, Health and Sciences | |||||||||
| Depositing User: | Rhiannon Goodland | |||||||||
| Date Deposited: | 10 Sep 2026 10:32 | |||||||||
| Last Modified: | 10 Sep 2026 10:32 | |||||||||
| URI: | https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/16502 |
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