Sport as a Social Policy Tool

<jats:p>This chapter analyzes sport as a social policy instrument and its impact on the well-being of individuals with disabilities across different welfare state regimes. Rather than treating sport as a neutral or purely recreational activity, it conceptualizes it as a structured policy field shaped by institutional arrangements, state capacity, and ideological orientations. Using a qualitative literature review and a comparative framework based on Esping-Andersen's welfare regime typology, the study examines how liberal, corporatist, and social democratic systems differ in their sport policy approaches. The findings show that participation in sport improves physical, psychological, and social well-being, while fostering self-confidence, social inclusion, and quality of life. However, these benefits are not universal and depend on inclusive infrastructure, public investment, and rights-based policies. The chapter concludes that the effectiveness of sport as a social policy tool is shaped by welfare regime characteristics and broader commitments to equality and inclusion.</jats:p>