A Critical Theoretical Approach to Sport-Based Youth Development Research: Yosso’s Community Cultural Wealth Framework

This paper proposes the application of Yosso’s Community Cultural Wealth (CCW) framework, rooted in the critical race theory (CRT), as a transformative lens for sport-based youth development (SBYD) research. Moving beyond traditional deficit-based models, which often depict youth as problematic or a...

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Main Authors: Doo Jae Park, Wonjun Choi, Wonju Lee, NaRi Shin
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:Youth
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2673-995X/5/2/40
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author Doo Jae Park
Wonjun Choi
Wonju Lee
NaRi Shin
author_facet Doo Jae Park
Wonjun Choi
Wonju Lee
NaRi Shin
author_sort Doo Jae Park
collection DOAJ
description This paper proposes the application of Yosso’s Community Cultural Wealth (CCW) framework, rooted in the critical race theory (CRT), as a transformative lens for sport-based youth development (SBYD) research. Moving beyond traditional deficit-based models, which often depict youth as problematic or at-risk, CCW emphasizes recognizing and building upon the cultural strengths and assets of marginalized youth. We begin by reviewing the development of theoretical applications within the youth development, positive youth development (PYD), and SBYD literature to highlight the criticisms against conventional deficit-focused approaches. CCW offers an asset-oriented lens by offering six forms of capital—aspirational, linguistic, familial, social, navigational, and resistant—that are typically overlooked in mainstream frameworks. We illustrate how these forms of capital can reposition SBYD programs as spaces for cultivating resilience, identity, and social justice while addressing systemic inequities. By incorporating CCW with participatory research methods and critical theories, such as intersectionality and CRT, researchers can broaden the theoretical and methodological scope of SBYD. This paper concludes by suggesting practical implications for program design, organizational advocacy, and policy development, advocating for culturally responsive, community-led initiatives that prioritize the active engagement and empowerment of marginalized youth. In sum, CCW provides the “why” for critical SBYD research and practice.
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spelling doaj-art-0d96f5d8d65f4bb181b0288c6a25eb852025-08-20T03:29:39ZengMDPI AGYouth2673-995X2025-04-01524010.3390/youth5020040A Critical Theoretical Approach to Sport-Based Youth Development Research: Yosso’s Community Cultural Wealth FrameworkDoo Jae Park0Wonjun Choi1Wonju Lee2NaRi Shin3College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USADepartment of Kinesiology, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USADepartment of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USASchool of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USAThis paper proposes the application of Yosso’s Community Cultural Wealth (CCW) framework, rooted in the critical race theory (CRT), as a transformative lens for sport-based youth development (SBYD) research. Moving beyond traditional deficit-based models, which often depict youth as problematic or at-risk, CCW emphasizes recognizing and building upon the cultural strengths and assets of marginalized youth. We begin by reviewing the development of theoretical applications within the youth development, positive youth development (PYD), and SBYD literature to highlight the criticisms against conventional deficit-focused approaches. CCW offers an asset-oriented lens by offering six forms of capital—aspirational, linguistic, familial, social, navigational, and resistant—that are typically overlooked in mainstream frameworks. We illustrate how these forms of capital can reposition SBYD programs as spaces for cultivating resilience, identity, and social justice while addressing systemic inequities. By incorporating CCW with participatory research methods and critical theories, such as intersectionality and CRT, researchers can broaden the theoretical and methodological scope of SBYD. This paper concludes by suggesting practical implications for program design, organizational advocacy, and policy development, advocating for culturally responsive, community-led initiatives that prioritize the active engagement and empowerment of marginalized youth. In sum, CCW provides the “why” for critical SBYD research and practice.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-995X/5/2/40sport-based youth developmentcommunity cultural wealthanti-deficit frameworkyouth empowerment
spellingShingle Doo Jae Park
Wonjun Choi
Wonju Lee
NaRi Shin
A Critical Theoretical Approach to Sport-Based Youth Development Research: Yosso’s Community Cultural Wealth Framework
Youth
sport-based youth development
community cultural wealth
anti-deficit framework
youth empowerment
title A Critical Theoretical Approach to Sport-Based Youth Development Research: Yosso’s Community Cultural Wealth Framework
title_full A Critical Theoretical Approach to Sport-Based Youth Development Research: Yosso’s Community Cultural Wealth Framework
title_fullStr A Critical Theoretical Approach to Sport-Based Youth Development Research: Yosso’s Community Cultural Wealth Framework
title_full_unstemmed A Critical Theoretical Approach to Sport-Based Youth Development Research: Yosso’s Community Cultural Wealth Framework
title_short A Critical Theoretical Approach to Sport-Based Youth Development Research: Yosso’s Community Cultural Wealth Framework
title_sort critical theoretical approach to sport based youth development research yosso s community cultural wealth framework
topic sport-based youth development
community cultural wealth
anti-deficit framework
youth empowerment
url https://www.mdpi.com/2673-995X/5/2/40
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