Department of Sport, Recreation and Exercise Science (SRES)
Permanent URI for this community
Browse
Browsing by Title
Now showing 1 - 20 of 176
Results Per Page
Sort Options
Item Access to healthcare for people with disabilities in South Africa: Bad at any time, worse during COVID-19?(AOSIS, 2021) McKinney, Emma L.; McKinney, Victor; Swartz, LesliePeople with disabilities, especially those living in low- and middle-income countries, experience significant challenges in accessing healthcare services and support. At times of disasters and emergencies, people with disabilities are further marginalised and excluded. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many people with disabilities are unable to access healthcare facilities, receive therapeutic interventions or rehabilitation, or gain access to medication. Of those who are able to access facilities, many experience challenges, and at times direct discrimination, accessing life-saving treatment such as intensive care unit admission and ventilator support. In addition, research has shown that people with disabilities are at higher risk of contracting the virus because of factors that include the need for interpersonal caregivers and living in residential facilities. We explore some of the challenges that people with disabilities residing in South Africa currently experience in relation to accessing healthcare facilities.Item Accessibility of recreational sports for students with disablilities at the University of the Western Cape(University of the Western Cape, 2007) Wright, Shernel A.; Jones, D.E.M.; Struthers, P.; Dept. of Sports, Recreation and Exercise Science; Faculty of ScienceParticipation in recreational sports can play a vital role in enhancing a student's life. Recreational sports are esepecially beneficial for students with disabilities as it aids in the facilitation of integration into mainstream society. The University of the Western Cape offers a range of recreational sports to their students but the question posed is, are these recreational sports accessible to students who are physically, auditory and/or visually disabled? The aim of this research project was therefore to explore the extent to which the University of the Western Cape's recreational sport was accessible to male and female studnets with disabilities.Item Alcohol consumption, physical activity, and cad risk factors in firefighters(Bentham Open, 2023) Ras, Jaron; Leach, LloydFirefighting is a physically and psychologically stressful occupation, where firefighters often resort to alcohol use as a coping strategy. Firefighters are particularly vulnerable to alcohol misuse and alcohol disorders, negatively affecting their health, well-being and, possibly, work performance. Therefore, this study investigated the prevalence of alcohol consumption and its relationship with the participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, weekly physical activity, and coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors. This study used a quantitative, cross-sectional and descriptive design. A total of 124 full-time firefighters, males and females, were conveniently recruited from the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service, South Africa, between September to November, 2020. Firefighters were then separated according to sex, age, ethnicity, and CAD risk factors. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis H were used to determine the statistical differences between groups, Kendall’s Tau was used to assess the correlation between ordinal and continuous variables, and Chi-square to assess the association between categorical variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 was used to indicate statistical significance.Item An assessment of the physical fitness demands of one day cricket using global positioning system tracking software(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Webster, Zane; Travill, ACricket is a highly technically skilled-based game, which consists of four distinct disciplines (batting, bowling, fielding, and wicket keeping) with varying physiological and biomechanical demands. There are three standardized professional versions of the game, namely, test match or multi-day cricket, limited overs or one-day cricket and Twenty-20 or T20 cricket. One-day games consist of two innings with each team getting a chance to bat and bowl. One innings encompasses fifty overs and the game generally lasts for approximately 6 hours. Although research has been conducted on the physical demands of cricket, not many studies compare the differences of these demands between different playing positions. Furthermore, there is a lack of research around the differences between professional and amateur level cricket players.Item An exploration of dual-careers of South African female elite student-athletes: The case of football(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Kroll, Nadia Carina; McGhie, VeniciaThe study explored factors that contributed to or hindered the dual careers of female elite student-athletes in South Africa, specifically focusing on football. The objectives were to (i) explore the perceptions and experiences of female elite student-athletes competing at national/international football competitions; (ii) identify contributing factors to success in the dual careers of these students at a South African university; (iii) identify barriers preventing success in their dual careers; and (iv) propose recommendations on how the barriers could be overcome or prevented. The primary research question was: what were the main contributing factors and barriers experienced by South African female elite student-athletes who compete at national/international football competitions? Four sub-research questions guided the data collection process: (i) what were the experiences of female elite student-athletes in their dual careers? i) which dual career policies were student-athletes aware of in South African elite sports? (iii) what role did university sports programmes play in the dual careers of female student-athletes? (iv) how could the barriers be overcome so female student-athletes can succeed in sporting competitions?Item Analysing Best High-Performance Sports Management Practices to Develop Guidelines for Historically Disadvantaged Institutions(University of the Western Cape, 2021) Cloete, Elmien; Young, MariéHigh-performance sport is characterised by the effective amalgamation and synergy of elements, including financial and managerial support, coaching, sport sciences and sports medicine support, talent identification and athlete pathways, training facilities and equipment, and competitions. Universities have increasingly become hubs for high-performance sports services, used by students and non-students alike. According to Dr Ralph Richards, a senior research consultant for Sport Australia, most university students are in their late teens to early 20s, which is also a critical demographic for elite sports performance. Universities can and do have a substantial impact on the sports sector, particularly in supporting and developing elite student-athletes through quality facilities and infrastructure, supportive programming, competitive opportunities, and sports bursaries or scholarships. In recent years, the high-performance sport has firmly established itself as a modern industry at some top- performing South African Universities. Since the Varsity Cup and Varsity Sport’s inception, South African Institutions have invested more in developing the sport to win competitions. However, many institutions, especially Historically Disadvantaged Institutions, do not establish athletic performance pathways. The study aimed to create guidelines for the best high-performance sport management practices and analysed successful international and local systems. The Spliss Model (a theoretical model of 9 pillars of sport policy factors influencing international success) provided the theoretical framework for this study. This study used a purely qualitative approach informed by an extensive literature review. This was followed by face-to-face semi-structured interviews with the high-performance sports directors and directors of sport at Universities and sports organisations in South Africa who currently have high-performance sports units. The data were transcribed verbatim and analysed through the lens of the SPLSS model. A thematic analysis was conducted to identify the best practices for high-performance sport at Historically Disadvantaged Institutions. The key findings showed that the best practices for high-performance sports systems included proper governance, appropriate funding, training facilities, quality coaching, sport science support services, academic support services and opportunities to compete. Ethics considerations were observed where the anonymity of the participants was upheld by way of using pseudonyms after permission from them were obtained. Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the University of the Western Cape Humanities and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee.Item Analysing the impact of the 50:22 kick law changes in South African rugby tournaments between 2021 and 2022(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2024) Strydom, Wikus; Kraak, Wilbur; Vaz, LuisTactical kicking plays a crucial role in rugby union, influencing both attacking and defensive strategies and potentially impacting a team’s overall success. The introduction of the 50:22 law requires defensive teams to reposition players to anticipate and counter kicks, thereby reducing the number of players in their defensive front line. This study investigated the impact of the 50:22 kicking law on kicking profiles by comparing the 2021 and 2022 seasons, as well as examining the success rate of 50:22 kicks during the 2022 season in South African rugby union tournaments. A retrospective research design was employed, utilising video-based performance analysis software (Nacsport Scout Plus) for data collection. The analysis encompassed all general play kicks from 177 matches spanning two seasons and tournaments, amounting to a total of 6,479 kicks. Within this dataset, there were 53 successful 50:22 kicks out of 162 attempts. Key findings revealed an upswing in kicks by scrum halves (2021: 20%, 2022: 26%; p = 0.00) and a concurrent decline in kicks by fullbacks (2021: 21%, 2022: 18%; p = 0.01).Item Analysis of social networking sites used by student spectators in university sport(AFAHPER-SD, 2021) Phillips, Kirby; Titus, SimoneSocial media usage has caused a notable shift in the use of strategies and relevant tools with which to communicate with sport spectators, catapulting sports into one of the most read topics on social media. This rapid growth of social media in sport has stimulated research in this field of study, delineating the different parts of social media, including social networking sites, and creating opportunities for university sport departments to foster relationships between university sport and student spectators. The purpose of this study was to identify the social networking sites used by student spectators in university sport. Based on a cross-sectional research design, amodified survey was distributed electronically to a randomly selected sample of 540 full-time registered studentsat the University of the Western Cape.The findings indicated that WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram were the most popular social networking sites used by student spectators in university sport. This study concluded that thethree social networking sites were the most preferredamong student spectators. Therefore, this research provides higher education institutions the opportunity to leverage off the students’ usageof social networking sitesfor marketing purposes. The study recommendsthe need for social media-based marketing strategies by university sports departments to be targeted at social networking sites visited by student spectators.Item An analysis of the implementation of DSAC’s club development programmes: case studies of selected community football clubs in Kwazulu-Natal and the Western Cape(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Moroe, Jakobo Jacob; Keim, MarionScholars such as Seippel and Belbo (2021), Robertson, Eime and Westerbeek (2018) and Sotiriadou and Wicker (2013) regard community sports clubs as a panacea for the challenges associated with building social capital, social engagement and community cohesion. In the South African context, the Club Development Programme (CDP) is a key initiative of the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC) which was introduced in 2006 to promote community sport development. However, there is scant academic research that has examined the design and implementation of this programme with a view to understanding its challenges and/or success factors. Premised on a management theoretical framework, the focus of which is primarily on the design and implementation of community sport development programmes, this qualitative study examined the design and implementation of the CDP in South Africa through the lenses of two purposively selected provinces: the Western Cape (WC) and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). These provinces were targeted on the basis that they were reported to have a better system to implement the CDP (Club development coordinators, 2017). The findings of this study revealed that the CDP has been operating without any existing substantive model to demonstrate how the programme ought to be designed and implemented effectively in South African communities. Therefore, priorities to be addressed for the effective implementation of the CDP in the South African setting include that: platforms to be prioritised to strengthen relationships with key stakeholders to give valuable input; good systemic governance at club and federation level need to be promoted; mechanisms to be introduced to prevent the abuse of power within the CDP; the CDP management needs to be diligent in recruiting new personnel to the programme; all of the programme coordinators must undergo rigorous training to enable them to acquire knowledge and skills to implement, monitor and evaluate the programme effectively; a succession plan must be prioritised for the CDP administrators; quality equipment and clothing be distributed equally to clubs that have not yet received them; and programme coordinators must frequently invite community clubs to the CDP planning sessions. This study contributes to the limited and growing academic literature on the design and effective implementation of community sports club programmes with reference to South Africa and Africa at large.Item An analysis of the implementation of the National Sport and Recreation Plan in the Western Cape(University of the Western Cape, 2016) Bouah, Lyndon; de Coning, Christo; Lees, Marion KeimIt is widely accepted that sport has the potential to serve as a tool for development as well as a catalyst for social and personal change. The National Department of Sport and Recreation (SRSA) has recognized the role that sport can play in building a better society in its recently published document the National Sport and Recreation Plan(NSRP). The aim of this study was to analyse the implementation of the NSRP in the Western Cape and to develop options for the improvement of the implementation of the National Sport and Recreation Plan in the Western Cape. The study analysed the factors that are necessary for an enabling environment to be successful to create an active and winning nation. By linking policy to implementation the study showed that the social benefits of sport can be extended to the broader social community. The fieldwork research was conducted with sport councils, sport federations, academy officials and senior government officials. The study found that the links between local, provincial and national government must be strengthened. The study further found that the level of commitment amongst the various spheres of government is not the same. The will may be there but the actual resources that must be committed is not readily made available. An important finding was that there appeared to be a lack of a nationally coordinated dedicated unit to champion the NSRP within SRSA. No reporting mechanism exists that will indicate to the general public and sport fraternity what the level of compliance is with the broad requirements of the NSRP. The 5-C protocol was used to analyse the NSRP and its current implementation within the Western Cape. Communication was considered as a future addition to augment the5-C protocol. The alignment between various national, provincial and local spheres of government was found to be lacking. It is recommended that the NSRP be brought into the annual performance plans, strategic plans, medium term expenditure framework and performance agreements of departments and senior management. It was found that the voluntary nature of organisations may act as a hindrance to the implementation of the NSRP. It is foreseen that the outcome of the study will assist in benchmarking best practices for implementation. The recommendations proposed by this study will provide options for laying the foundation for the successful implementation of the National Sport and Recreation Plan in South Africa.Item An assessment of quality management practices in high performance sport at two selected South African universities(University of the Western Cape, 2015) Groenewald, Ilhaam; De Coning, Christo; Keim, MarionThis study is motivated by the growing need for South African sport competitions (such as the Olympic Games and various other sport-specific world championships) to be transformed into quality and profitable events, noting that they need to be managed professionally, with well organised and sophisticated athlete preparation with excellent management systems. New pressures have emerged from within South Africa from key stakeholders that require sport organisations to become more performance orientated, and to build their capacity in order to improve or better manage their organisational performance. The primary focus of the research, therefore, is on quality management practices in high performance sport at a programme management level while the research also reviews substantial literature concerning the study in order to explain the dynamics surrounding the high performance management practices of Swimming Centres of Excellence at the two selected universities in South Africa. The study is qualitative and unpacks two theoretical frameworks namely, Total Quality Management practices and a conceptual framework of high performance management structures and processes. The overarching findings and recommendations are that the implementation of the Quality Management Practices (QMPs) require that the principles and philosophy of excellence are shared and understood by all stakeholders. To implement QMPs successfully, there is a need to radically transform conventional practices to achieve radical and pervasive change. The research shows evidence that QMPs involve the redesign of organisational structures, the re-design of work and the re-definition of management style. The swimming high performance environment must be willing to take this into consideration for successful implementation of QMPs at the Centres of Excellence to ensure its future performanceItem Association between cardiovascular disease risk factors and cardiorespiratory fitness in firefighters: A systematic review and meta-analysis(MDPI, 2023) Ras, Jaron; Kengne, Andre P.; Smith, Denise L.Approximately 45% of on-duty related mortalities were due to sudden cardiac death, with many of these fatalities related to cardiovascular disease and overexertion, while performing emergency duties. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to determine the association between cardiovascular disease risk factors and cardiorespiratory fitness in firefighters. A literature search of PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Embase, EBSCOHost, and ScienceDirect was conducted; the Rayyan® intelligent systematic review tool was used to screen and select studies for inclusion. The appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme toolkit were used for methodological assessment of included studies. Data were analyzed using the Review Manager 5.3 and MedCalc® statistical softwares to determine the effects of obesity (Z = 10.29, p < 0.001) and aging (Z = 4.72, p < 0.001) on cardiorespiratory fitness.Item Association between major coronary artery disease risk factors in the city of Cape Town firefighter and rescue service(Bentham Science Publishers, 2021) Leach, Lloyd; Ras, JaronBackground: Many CAD risk factors occur concurrently, increasing the odds of the development of other risk factors, which is particularly seen in male and older firefighters. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the association and odds ratios between the various CAD risk factors in firefighters. Methods: This study used a quantitative, cross-sectional and correlational design. A total of 124 full-time firefighters, males and females, were conveniently recruited from the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service. A researcher generated questionnaire was used to collect participant sociodemographic information, and all research procedures were conducted according to the ACSM guidelines. The study took place between September and November 2019. Results: There were significant associations between hypertension and age [χ2 (1) = 18.0, p < 0.001, OR = 6.3 (95% CI: 2.6, 15.5)], hypertension and obesity [χ2 (1) = 7.9, p = 0.005, OR = 3.0 (95% CI: 1.4, 6.6)], hypertension and diabetes [χ2 (1) = 5.1, p = 0.040, OR = 4.0 (95% CI: 1.1, 14.8)], and hypertension and dyslipidaemia [χ2 (1) = 8.5, p = 0.004, OR = 3.1 (95% CI: 1.4, 6.7)], family history and central obesity [χ2 (1) = 3.9, p = 0.04, OR = 2.4 (95% CI: 0.9, 5.8)], and family history and central obesity [χ2 (1) = 3.9, p = 0.04, OR = 2.4 (95% CI: 0.9, 5.8)]. Conclusion: Increased age, central obesity, hypertension and dyslipidaemia increased the odds of developing other major CAD risk factors, which was predominantly apparent in male firefighters of mixed ethnicity. The City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service should emphasize the mitigation of these major CAD risk factors through education and behavioural modification, especially as male firefighters aged.Item Association between physical fitness and cardiovascular health in firefighters(MDPI, 2023) Ras, Jaron; Smith, Denise L.; Soteriades, Elpidoforos S.Firefighters perform strenuous work in dangerous and unpredictable environments requiring optimal physical conditioning. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between physical fitness and cardiovascular health (CVH) in firefighters. This cross-sectional study systematically recruited 309 full-time male and female firefighters between the ages of 20 to 65 years in Cape Town, South Africa. Physical fitness was assessed using absolute (ab˙VO2max) and relative oxygen consumption (relVO2max), grip and leg strength, push-ups and sit-ups, sit-and-reach for flexibility and lean body mass (LBM). CVH encompassed age, smoking, blood pressure (BP), blood glucose, lipid profile, body mass index, body fat percentage (BF%), and waist circumference. Linear regressions and logistic regressions were applied. Multivariable analysis indicated that relVO2max was associated with systolic BP (p < 0.001), diastolic BP (p < 0.001), non-fasting blood glucose (p < 0.001), and total cholesterol (p = 0.037). Poor CVH index was negatively associated with rel˙VO2max (p < 0.001), leg strength (p = 0.019), and push-ups (p = 0.012).Item Association between physical fitness and musculoskeletal health in firefighters(Frontiers Media SA, 2023) Ras, Jaron; Soteriades, Elpidoforos Soterakis; Smith, Denise LouiseIntroduction: Firefighters are often placed in situations that require high levels of physical exertion, leading to significant strain on firefighters’ musculoskeletal system, predisposing them to musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD) and/or musculoskeletal injury (MSI). Physical fitness programs are often recommended and justified, in part, to prevent injuries. The aim of this study was to determine the association between physical fitness and musculoskeletal health (MSH) in firefighters. Methods: A total of 308 full-time firefighters took part in the study conducted in Cape Town, South Africa. Physical fitness tests encompassed a non-exercise estimation for cardiorespiratory fitness, grip and leg strength for upper and lower body strength, push-ups and sit-ups for muscular endurance, and sit-and-reach for flexibility. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire were used to determine MSIs and MSD, respectively. A p-value <0.05 indicated statistical significance. Results: Every one-unit increase in AbVO2max, push-ups, sit-ups, and sit-and-reach decreased the odds of firefighters reporting MSIs by 5% (p = 0.005), 3% (p = 0.017), 3% (p = 0.006), and 3% (p = 0.034), respectively. Every one repetition increase in push-up capacity increased the odds of firefighters reporting neck, elbow and forearm, wrist and hand, and thigh discomfort by 3% (p = 0.039), 4% (p = 0.031), 5% (p = 0.002), and 5%` (p = 0.007), respectively.Item Backyard running: Pushing the boundaries of human performance(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2024) Meeusen Romain; De Pauw, Kevin; Ampe T.; Arauz, Y. L. ArenalesUltrarunning is gaining in popularity but no information is available on the physiological and psychological responses during backyard ultrarunning events. The aim of this study was to determine changes in cognitive function, markers of physiological resilience, and running performance during a backyard-running event. Twelve male ultrarunners (38 ± 8 years old, BMI: 23.5 ± 1.6 kg/m2, and VO2max: 60.8 ± 4.7 mL/min/kg) were monitored before, during, and after the event. Cognitive performance was determined using a cognitive test battery before, during, and after the event. During the event, the rating of perceived exertion (RPE), blood lactate concentration, and heart rate (HR) were assessed. Physical performance was investigated using the total number of completed laps and running speed per lap. Athletes completed 34 ± 17 laps equaling 227.8 ± 113.9 km with average speeds starting at 9.0 km/h and slowing down to 7.5 km/h at the end of the event. Physiological resilience (estimated using HR/speed) varied between athletes, with significantly lower values in the more proficient backyard runners at the end of the event (p < 0.05). HR and lactate levels remained constant, whereas a progressive increase in RPE was noticed (p ≤ 0.001). A significantly worsened reaction time was observed for several cognitive tasks after the event compared to baseline measures (p ≤ 0.05). These observations show that physiological resilience differs depending on the level of endurance performance of the athletes. Furthermore, the backyard ultrarunning event negatively impacted psychomotor speed. Therefore, the results suggest that implementing strategies that enhance physiological resilience and/or psychomotor speed could potentially have a positive effect on performance in ultraendurance activitiesItem A Balancing Act: First team rugby Players' Perceptions about Academic and Athletic Commitments(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Mlakalaka, Bulelani; Titus, SimoneSport is regarded as an essential component of Higher Education Institution governance, development, and the lives of student-athletes and the academic community. Student-athletes in Higher Education Institutions around the world are increasingly needed to manage their academic and athletic commitments. The purpose of this research is to examine factors that influence student-athletes' ability to balance academic and athletic commitments. The conceptual framework basis for this study adopted Comeaux and Harrison's model of academic achievement for student-athletes. An exploratory-qualitative design methodological approach was adopted to collect data, using two focus group discussions. Using a purposive sampling method, fifteen Higher Education Institution first team rugby players consented to participate in this study. A deductive theme analysis technique was used to analyse the data.Item Body circumference parameters predict body mass index in children aged 2-5 years(Kamla-Raj Enterprises, 2017) Onagbiye, Sunday O.; Mulubwa, M.; Young, Marie E. M.Body circumference parameters have become simple screening measurements that can be used as an indicator of body fat distribution to detect pediatric obesity. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships that exist between body circumference parameters of head, neck, arm, forearm, waist, hip, mid-thigh, front-thigh and body mass index (BMI). A total of forty randomly selected children with the mean age of 2.97 years participated in this study. Stature, body mass, and body circumferences were measured according to the protocol of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropmetry (ISAK). All the participants’ parents completed informed consent forms before their children could be allowed to participate in the study. There was a significant correlation between the hip and neck circumferences and BMI. Regression analyses revealed that BMI was best predicted by the combined effect of neck and hi neck circumferences. Combined effects of hip and neck circumferences were significant predictors of BMI in children.Item Body image, weight discrepancy and body mass index among university students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia(AJOL, 2020) Toriola, Olumatoyin O.; Onagbiye, Sunday O.This study examined the relationship between body image, weight discrepancy and body mass index among female university students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 183 university students aged 18.7±1.17 years volunteered to participate in the study. Anthropometric variables were measured according to the protocol of International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). Body image perception was assessed using silhouette matching techniques. Multiple regression analyses were performed to examine the relationships between body image and weight perceptions in relation to actual physical measurements by means of two indices: Feel minus Ideal Discrepancy (FID) and FAI (Feel weight status minus actual weight status inconsistency). One-way ANOVA was computed to test for any substantial differences in the participants’ dependent measures according to body mass index (BMI) categories. Percentage distribution of participants’ actual weight categories were 71% (underweight), 18.6% (normal weight) and 10.4% (overweight). Using the body silhouette chart, the mean value for the participants’ feel and ideal figures were 3.6 and 2.2, while their FID and FAI scores were 1.4 and 0.55, respectively. Results of the regression analysis indicated that every unit increase in Feel figure yielded a highly significant increase in BMI by 1.4 kg/m2 . By contrast, a unit increase in the Ideal figure resulted in a non-significant decrease in BMI by -0.19 kg/m2 . The relationship between the actual body weight and body image discrepancy among Riyadh university students has practical implications for their health.Item C.L.R. James and a place for history in theorising 'sport for development and peace'(Inderscience, 2015) Darnell, Simon C.; Kaur, TarminderRecent research suggests the need for robust theory building in the field of sport for development and peace (SDP). Recognising this, we argue for further attention to, and appreciation of, the historical context within which many SDP initiatives and research projects take place, with particular focus on the history of colonialism as it relates to sport. Drawing on the foundational work of C.L.R. James, we suggest that an historical approach, informed by insights from postcolonial theorising, encourages analyses of ambivalence, hybridity and even irony in the field of SDP. We use James' insights, and recent appraisals of his work, to offer specific theoretical insights for the study of SDP, with a particular focus on social actors in context.