Issues and leverage effects of the institutionalization of school sports in public education (1938–1950)

A unique practice space within educational institutions, school sports experienced a chaotic development throughout the twentieth century. While its origins at the end of the nineteenth century are well known and its widespread adoption from the mid-1950s is documented, the period corresponding to its organizational development, both institutionally and practically, has been little studied. The aim of this article is therefore to understand its role, the dominant forms of practice, as well as the difficulties encountered between 1938 and 1950. These factors would determine the measures implemented at the end of this decisive phase for school sports.