Doctoral Dissertations

Kirk Peterson

Date of Award

8-2000

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Education

Major Professor

Patricia A. Beitel

Committee Members

Ron Foresta, Joy DeSensi, William Poppen

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to determine the perceptions of six African-American male youth (11-13 years of age) regarding the role of sport in their lives. Participant responses were probed concerning: (a) family background, (b) perceptions of the role sport played in life, (c) perception of how his family viewed him as an athlete, and (d) perceptions of himself as an athlete. The themes that emerged from their perceptions of the role of sport in life included: (a) self-concept (b) family support and involvement, and (c) sport as an opportunity. The sub-themes associated with self-concept were size/physicality and being the best. Modesty, pressure management, leadership, and sportsmanship were other concepts identified by some participants when they compared themselves to others or the nature of their sport. The second theme focused on family involvement and encouragement, which determined that all had experiences that they believed served as support and encouragement in their lives. Sub-themes of the third theme, sport as an opportunity, included: (a) social mobility, (b) enhanced health and improvement in primary sport, (c) recognition of desired attributes, and (d) friendships. These African-American youth considered sport a vehicle for social mobility which included receiving an education, repaying family for support, and having travel opportunities. These youth participated in sport for fun, to be with friends, to enhance physical fitness, to avoid potential illegal activities, and to improve in their primary sport. The participants all spoke of the importance of family involvement and that without family encouragement, sport would not be as interesting. All participants discussed their thoughts regarding the physical nature of certain sports. It was noted by all participants that being the best was important; but it was not critical to be the best all the time; and they realized that this was a favorable attribute. Several participants discussed the importance of remaining modest even when they were the best. Other self-concept issues included modesty, pressure management, leadership, and sportsmanship. Many of the participants enjoyed pressure situations which included taking the last shot; and others spoke about the qualities of leadership and that sportsmanship was an integral part of being a good athlete. The insight provided by these six African-American male youth resulted in themes that supported and added new information to the existing body of knowledge concerning youth sport. Other African-American youth might have similar experiences and insights, but further investigations of African-American youth in sport are warranted.

Download
Files over 3MB may be slow to open. For best results, right-click and select "save as..."

Share

COinS