Sexuality as a Structural Principle in Sport Participation

Abstract

In this article we present the results of a Dutch study about sport participation among self-identified homo/bisexual men and women, compared to a matched group of heterosexual men and women. It is argued that quantitative research can further enrich the existing knowledge in the field of sport and sexuality, which is mainly based on qualitative studies from a poststructuralist perspective. Findings both challenge and confirm stereotypical images of sport involvement by gays and lesbians. The results show that sexual `mappings' of different sports spaces do not only exist cognitively, but influence the actual sporting biographies of men and women with different sexual identifications. Gay men are underrepresented in mainstream club sports and traditional `masculine' team sports and over-represented in commercially based fitness sports. However, most non-heterosexual women and men have discovered mainstream sports spaces where they can participate without being confronted too much with homonegativity and heteronormativity. Simultaneously, many are reluctant to join `counter spaces', like LGTB sports organizations and reflect a certain compliance with heteronormativity.

Physical Activity Disparities in Heterosexual and Sexual Minority Youth Ages 12–22 Years Old: Roles of Childhood Gender Nonconformity and Athletic Self-Esteem

“…Emerging research also indicates that traditional femininity norms and homophobia may adversely affect sexual minority females' physical activity (32, 33), although sexual orientation differences among females may be smaller than among males (34). General social acceptance of sexual minority women is greater than it is for sexual minority men (35), but sexual minority women still face considerable social stigma (11).…”

“…It is possible that some adolescent sexual minority females may avoid sports as a means of staying “closeted.” Scant research has examined whether sexual minority individuals are actually less likely to pursue sports that their heterosexual peers, and whether differences vary by gender. One large study of adults in the Netherlands found that gay and bisexual men were less likely to participate in competitive team sports than heterosexual men; sexual orientation differences were less pronounced in women (34). Because there is more diversity in the types of sports accessible to women (i.e., opportunities to participate in traditionally masculine contact/collision sports, as well as non-contact, and aesthetic sports), heterosexual and sexual minority females may differentially pursue or avoid different types of sports (34).…”

Assessing the sociology of sport: On reintegrating quantitative methods and gender research

“…More quantitative (or mixed methods) studies on gendered sports participation and governance across different types of sports would form welcome additions to the numerous qualitative case studies about gendered (intersectional) identity negotiations. In their study on apologetic behaviour of female athletes participating in traditional masculine sports, Davis-Delano et al (2009) 1966-1979 1980-1989 1990-1999 2000-2009 2010-2013 t otal of quantitative research, including critical theoretical frameworks within the subfields of gender and sport, include Probert et al's (2007) study on bodybuilding and a study by Elling and Janssens (2009) on sexuality.…”

The effects of sport participation on gender relations: Case studies of female footballers in Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa

“…Dominant hegemonies can be resisted and altered by subordinated groups in multiple ways, including participation in sport where alternative gender identities are created, manifested and enacted (Hargreaves 2004). Hegemonic norms are opposed through diversified media portrayals of female athletes (Heywood and Dworkin 2003), women presented as positive role models (Meier and Saavedra 2011), and challenging heterosexual norms of participation (Elling and Janssens 2009).…”