White College Students' Explanations of White (and Black) Athletic Performance: A Qualitative Investigation of White College Students

    Authors

    C. K. Harrison; S. M. Lawrence;S. J. Bukstein

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Sociol. Sport J.

    Keywords

    MEN CANT JUMP; RACIAL STEREOTYPES; SPORT; THREAT; GENDER; POWER; RACE; Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism; Sociology; Sport Sciences

    Abstract

    While the sport sociology community has had a long-running conversation about the relationship between athletes' success and race, there are few empirical investigations of individuals' attitudes regarding the connection of race and athletic performance. This study on White college students' explanations of White (and African American) athleticism attempts to push this discussion of race and sport. Using a qualitative, open-ended question we elicited explanations from White college students about athletic performance. Findings revealed that White students explained White athleticism through discussions of African American athleticism. In addition, White student participants avoided biological explanations regarding White athletes' success.

    Journal Title

    Sociology of Sport Journal

    Volume

    28

    Issue/Number

    3

    Publication Date

    1-1-2011

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    347

    Last Page

    361

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000296504700005

    ISSN

    0741-1235

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