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Phenomenal Women: A Qualitative Study of Silencing, Stereotypes, Socialization, and Strategies for Change in the Sport Participation of African American Female Student-Athletes

Bruening, Jennifer E.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1392903455

Abstract Details

2000, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, EDU Physical Activity and Educational Services.
Most women’s collegiate sports reflect an underrepresentation of African American student-athletes. The purpose of this study was to examine how silencing through a lack of research and lack of attention on the part of the media, the exposure to gender and racial stereotypes, and the socialization process influence African American women to participate in sports in general, and to participate in certain sports specifically. Following this examination, strategies for change were discussed based on the opinions of experts in the field, the participants, and the researcher. Many studies have examined women in sport or African Americans in sport, but few have focused on the intersection of race, gender, and sport. This study was intended to give exposure to an area of sport research that is lacking attention. The findings of the study are also significant to educators, coaches, parents, and role models when encouraging African American to speak up, fight the stereotypical views of their athletic talent in only certain sports, and follow those socialization agents who are directing them toward sport participation. In focusing on silencing, stereotypes, and socialization, the stories told by African American collegiate athletes in focus group and individual interview settings were analyzed. The focus groups were composed of Division I African American female student-athletes form a large Midwestern university. The women participated in basketball, volleyball, track and field, fencing, and crew. Data analysis indicated: (1) Media limit the opportunities for exposure for African American female athletes. (2) Administrators, coaches, and male student-athletes play roles in the silencing and the giving of voice to African American female student-athletes. (3) African American female student-athletes are most often exposed to biological, gender, intellectual, and athletic stereotypes. (4) Family members and teachers/coaches are the most significant socialization influences on African American female athletes. (5) The most effective strategies for change in the participation of African American females in sport include positive role modeling and increasing exposure and access to sport all of types.
Donna Pastore (Advisor)
Packianathan Chelladurai (Committee Member)
Ketra Armstrong (Committee Member)
275 p.
Physical Education

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Bruening, J. E. (2000). Phenomenal Women: A Qualitative Study of Silencing, Stereotypes, Socialization, and Strategies for Change in the Sport Participation of African American Female Student-Athletes [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1392903455

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Bruening, Jennifer. Phenomenal Women: A Qualitative Study of Silencing, Stereotypes, Socialization, and Strategies for Change in the Sport Participation of African American Female Student-Athletes. 2000. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1392903455.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Bruening, Jennifer. "Phenomenal Women: A Qualitative Study of Silencing, Stereotypes, Socialization, and Strategies for Change in the Sport Participation of African American Female Student-Athletes." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 2000. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1392903455

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1392903455
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© 2000, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.