Viegas, InêsRibeiro, TiagoSantos, Ana2025-11-032025-11-032025-10-182375-0472http://hdl.handle.net/10400.1/27867This study’s purpose is to describe and critically review the literature on social barriers (SBs) faced by people with disabilities (PwDs) in sports activities to develop a comprehensive understanding of current and further research in the field. Methodology: The Theory-Context-Characteristics Methodology (TCCM) offers a comprehensive understanding of the key theories, the contexts in which SBs occur, the characteristics of PwDs, and the research methods utilized in the field. Findings: Our analysis identified 37 SBs in 44 articles with publication year, geographical dispersion, journal type, contextual setting, methodological approaches, and variables being explored. The findings support the notion that this research topic is scarce in sport management journals, poor in other regions than North America and Europe, and has used mostly qualitative methods. Originality: This study offers a novel contribution by blending theoretical concepts with practical strategies to prevent SBs in sports. By adapting the Social Ecological Model of Inclusive Sport framework and integrating the Social Model of Disability, the study identifies specific levels of action where sport managers can intervene to reduce these barriers.engSocial barriersSocial model of disabilitySocial ecological model of inclusive sportPeople with disabilitiesSport managementjournal article10.1080/23750472.2025.25723362375-0480