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ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

"Let Us Make Man": The Development of Black Male (Student)-Athletes in a Big-Time College Sport Program

Singer, John Nathaniel
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1364221049

Abstract Details

2002, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, EDU Physical Activity and Educational Services.
Black athletes in big-time college sport programs at predominately White institutions (PWIs) are faced with many developmental challenges. This study attempted to collaborate with Black male sport participants in efforts to understand their perspectives on factors posited to impact their development. Additionally, the goal was to generate some strategies for change that could enhance the developmental experiences of Black male sport participants in particular. With social reproduction theory and critical race theory serving as the theoretical lenses, and an Afrocentic Emancipatory Methodology as the epistemological base, the researcher sought a departure from the traditional ways of conceptualizing and addressing research problems in sport and education. A qualitative case study research design, which included a focus group and individual interviews with four Black male football players from a large Mid-western university, was used to address this research problem. Throughout the research process, the goal was to challenge the research participants to "think out the box" and for them to challenge their own understandings of their current state of development. Data analysis indicated: (1) while sport participation does allow these participants to transfer things learned in sport to life off the field, the demands associated with participation in big-time college sport suppresses other non-athletic developmental initiatives, (2) relationships with college coaches and female peers were two of the most important aspects of student-athletes' developmental experiences, (3) racism has limited the leadership opportunities of Black male student-athletes, coaches, and administrators, and has led to the unequal treatment and the labeling of Black male student-athletes, and (4) the most effective strategies for change to improve the developmental experiences of Black male sport participants include increasing the presence of Black leaders and support personnel in key positions within the athletic department, providing greater financial assistance, and giving Black males a safe haven for voicing their major developmental concerns. The findings of this study provided insight into the social reproduction theory and critical race theory. These findings also have implications for collegiate coaches, athletic administrators, academic support personnel, and sport researchers. Finally, the outcomes of this research process signify the need for sustained research efforts that focus on the development of student-athletes in general, and Black student-athletes in particular.
Ketra Armstrong, Dr. (Advisor)
229 p.
Physical Education

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Singer, J. N. (2002). "Let Us Make Man": The Development of Black Male (Student)-Athletes in a Big-Time College Sport Program [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1364221049

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Singer, John. "Let Us Make Man": The Development of Black Male (Student)-Athletes in a Big-Time College Sport Program . 2002. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1364221049.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Singer, John. ""Let Us Make Man": The Development of Black Male (Student)-Athletes in a Big-Time College Sport Program ." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 2002. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1364221049

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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© 2002, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.
Release 3.2.12