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Homophobia in women's intercollegiate athletics : a case study

Author

Karen E. McConnell, University of the Pacific

Date of Award

1994

Document Type

Thesis - Pacific Access Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Department

Sport Sciences

First Advisor

Glen Albaugh

First Committee Member

Margaret E. Ciccolella

Second Committee Member

Linda S. Koehler

Abstract

Homophobia was suggested to be one of the primary causes of oppression among women (Griffin 1987, Ireland 1993). Female -- athletes were historically coupled with lesbian identities due to their involvement in the traditionally male domain of sport. As increasing numbers of women attempt to transcend specific socially defined boundaries, it was suggested that the phenomenon of homophobia would function to help maintain conventional sex role socialization practices and to inhibit the advancement of the female athlete (Griffin 1987; 1988, Bennet 1988) . This study specifically addressed homophobia in women's intercollegiate athletics. The purpose of the study was to examine the extent to which homophobia exists among, and towards, female intercollegiate coaches. In depth interviews addressing this issue were conducted with seven female coaches and administrators from one NCAA Division IA university athletic program. The interviews resulted in the formation of nine categories relative to the presence of homophobia in women's intercollegiate athletics. These categories were hiring, recruiting, personal image, public image, coach-athlete relationship, abuse of power, intimidation and control, gender equity and roots and reasons. The greatest effects of homophobia appeared in the categories of hiring and recruiting followed by public image and intimidation and control.

NOTE: Both archival copies of the manuscript were missing pages 47 and 49.

Pages

100

Recommended Citation

McConnell, Karen E.. (1994). Homophobia in women's intercollegiate athletics : a case study. University of the Pacific, Thesis - Pacific Access Restricted. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/2261