Masters Theses

Maria J. Veri

Date of Award

8-1994

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Human Performance and Sport Studies

Major Professor

Patricia A. Beitel

Committee Members

Joy DeSensi, Kathleen deMarrais

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to employ Faludi's Backlash: The Undeclared War Against American Women as a guideline for arguing that a backlash phenomenon is currently plaguing women in American sport. The backlash in sport was revealed by presenting a brief overview of the development of women's sport in the United States, from the Victorian Period to the late twentieth century. An examination of current structural differences in American sport and the experiences of female athletes of color was offered. Subsequently, the study provided a discussion of the evidence of the backlash against women in sport as seen in homophobia, legislation, economic practices, and media portrayals. In order to further explore the backlash theory, six active NCAA Division I female collegiate athletes from the basketball, volleyball, and track and field teams at one university were interviewed about their experiences as women in sport. The participants were either in their junior or senior year of studies at the time of the interviews. The qualitative technique of dialogic interviewing was employed, with interview times ranging from 30 minutes to 1 1/2 hours. These women discussed their feelings and observations about the treatment they have received as female athletes. Seven. common themes emerged from the interviews: (a) family influence on athletic involvement; (b) role-models, for and as; (c) self-confidence; (d) sense of solid community support; (e) society's negative views; (f) negative peer reactions; (g) poor media coverage. These themes, plus the unique experiences of each participant, were discussed in relation to the backlash theory. Future implications were outlined for contending with the backlash issue in sport and improving the overall state of athletics.

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