Masculinity and Sport Revisted: A Review of Literature on Hegemonic Masculinity and Men's Ice Hockey in Canada

Abstract

Ice hockey is particularly significant in Canada, since it acts as a primary site of socialization for boys and men. This form of socialization raises questions about masculinity on the public agenda in terms of the problematic nature of hypermasculinity in sport, stereotypical images of athletes, and questions of social responsibility as both men and athletes. These issues are presently relevant as Canada (and perhaps all of North America) finds itself in an era characterized by media accounts of competitive athletes' cavalier lifestyles, hazing rituals, violence, homophobia, drug addictions, and suicides. Scholars agree that these social issues can largely be attributed to problematic socialization through participation in hockey. This literature review uses secondary research to problematize masculinity in the ice hockey context by presenting the overarching claim that male hockey players embody hegemonic masculinity. The piece begins by defining R.W. Connell's (1987) concept of hegemonic masculinity and situating it in its current academic context. Next, it offers an overview of relevant literature on masculinity and sport along with a concise examination of scholarly work on the relationship between hegemonic masculinity and ice hockey in Canada. It concludes by summarising calls for further research in the field and by suggesting approaches to future studies.Keywords: athletes; hegemonic masculinity; hockey; sport Au Canada, le hockey sur place a une place toute particulière puisqu'il constitue un site de socialisation primaire pour les garçons et les hommes. Cette forme de socialisation soulève des questions sur la masculinité dans la perception générale, au regard de la nature problématique de l'hyper masculinité dans le sport, les stéréotypes d'athlètes et la responsabilité sociale des hommes et des athlètes. Ces questions sont d'actualité au Canada (et peut-être même dans le reste de l'Amérique du Nord) à une époque caractérisée par des images répandues de la vie insouciante des athlètes ainsi que des rituels d'initiation, de la violence, de l'homophobie, de la toxicomanie et du suicide. Une étude de la littérature se fonde sur des recherches secondaires pour cerner la problématique de la masculinité dans le contexte du hockey en présentant une hypothèse générale selon laquelle les joueurs de hockey masculins constituent des modèles de masculinité hégémonique. Le document présente d'abord la définition avancée par le sociologue australien R.W. Connell de la masculinité hégémonique (1987) avant de la situer dans un contexte académique contemporain. Ensuite, l'étude propose un survol de la littérature associée sur la masculinité et le sport, ainsi qu'un survol concis des études académiques sur le rapport entre la masculinité hégémonique et le hockey au Canada. La conclusion définit une synthèse des études à venir et propose des méthodes pour des études éventuelles sur le sujet.

‘It’s freer and easier in a changing room, because the barriers disappear…’ a case study of masculinity ideals, language and social status amongst Swedish ice hockey players

“…Although, sexism, harassment and violence are not unique to Sweden and its athletes, journalists' reports and previous research (see e.g. Allain, 2008;MacDonald, 2014MacDonald, , 2018Pappas, 2012;Robinson, 1998) have contributed to making ice hockey players interesting study objects.…”

“…One reason for this is that ice hockey is a sport that encourages 'traditional' masculine attributes. For example, male players are taught to use their bodies to protect team-mates and aggressiveness and hard physical contact are considered to be parts of the game (Allain, 2008;David & Brannon, 1976;MacDonald, 2014;Messner, 1992;Vaz, 1982). In this article, we are particularly interested in the potentially transmitting relation between participation in (Swedish) ice hockey, the attitudes and language that are nurtured here and the inclination to be sexist, aggressive and violent both on and off the ice.…”

“…Thus, several sections of society help to shape the foundations (and the process of change) for the hegemony of men and masculinity (Hearn, 2015). Full contact sports are interpreted by Connell (2005) as upholders of traditional, hegemonic masculinity ideals, in that young men are given the opportunity to exhibit qualities such as aggression, courage, sacrifice, strength, self-confidence and (hetero)sexism (see also Lenneis & Pfister, 2015;MacDonald, 2014MacDonald, , 2016MacDonald, , 2018.…”

The need for a violence prevention programme in ice hockey: a case study on how hegemonic masculinity supports and challenges violent behaviour in Swedish ice hockey

“…Previous research on team sports, hegemonic masculinity and violence Many sports display characteristics that are traditionally associated with hegemonic masculinity, such as loyalty to team members (homosociality), attempts to dominate opponents, a willingness to obey the coach and a willingness to take risks (Allain, 2008;Connell, 2005;MacDonald, 2014MacDonald, , 2018Messner & Sabo, 1994). The concept of 'hegemonic masculinity', which to a large extent originates from the works of Connell (1983Connell ( , 2005 interprets sport as a societal institution that ultimately legitimises and fosters participants in norms and ideals that support a patriarchal society (Connell, 2005;Messner, 1992Messner, , 2013.…”

“…This interpretation of men and masculinities has also influenced scholars studying ice hockey (Allain, 2008(Allain, , 2014MacDonald, 2014MacDonald, , 2018. For instance, Vaz (1982) has studied institutions' and coaches' support of male ice hockey players' expressions of aggressiveness, toughness, courage and other values embodying a combative and violent ideology.…”