Erin Sharpe

Erin Sharpe, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at Brock University. Her research focuses on the intersections of leisure, sport, community development, and socio-spatial dynamics. She currently leads a SSHRC-funded study exploring how identity and neighborhood influence young people’s sport and leisure activities.

Her academic work integrates post-structural, post-colonial, and socio-spatial perspectives. Key research areas include community development in leisure contexts, sport policy, and the socio-cultural dimensions of play. Sharpe has co-edited influential books such as Leisure and Community Development: Applications for Sport, Recreation and Tourism and Handbook of Leisure Theory.

Her publications span journals like International Review for the Sociology of Sport and Journal of Policy Research in Leisure, Tourism and Events, addressing topics ranging from urban placemaking to international service-learning. She teaches courses on community development, leisure theory, and cultural politics.

Sharpe is affiliated with the Canadian Association of Leisure Studies and Parks and Recreation Ontario. Her SSHRC-funded research exemplifies her commitment to applied community-focused scholarship. Her work challenges conventional approaches to policy implementation and advocates for inclusive leisure practices.