Sport sociological session: Sport in the process of change More and more frequently, sport is thematised in relation to welfare issues. Sport is expected to contribute to solving several of the problems of the welfare state, especially health, integration, and education to democratic development – but is it self-evident that physical activity and participation in sport are welfare matters? In relation to welfare subjects it is often stated that sport and the voluntary organisation of sport contribute in a positive way to the cohesion of the welfare society, and that sport generates health and sociality. However, the latest studies of participation in sport and exercise show a larger differentiation when it comes to the choice of exercise. Sport that is organized in associations in the voluntary sector is under pressure – it’s no longer “dad plays football and mom does gymnastics”. Adults today do sport, exercise, fitness, and physical activity at varied arenas and in many different ways. The commercial fitness sector and the self organised activities are developing into the fields of the voluntary associations and thus creating social change. The session will thematise the processes of social change which are in play in the broad sport sector in Scandinavia. Nils Asle Bergsgard, nab@iris.no Lone Friis Thing, lfthing@ifi.ku.dk