Emily A. Roper

Gender Relations in Sport

Designed primarily as a textbook for upper division undergraduate courses in gender and sport, gender issues, sport sociology, cultural sport studies, and women’s studies, Gender Relations in Sport provides a comprehensive examination of the intersecting themes and concepts surrounding the study of gender and sport. The 16 contributors, leading scholars from sport studies, present key issues, current research perspectives and theoretical developments within nine sub-areas of gender and sport: • Gender and sport participation • Theories of gender and sport • Gender and sport media • Sexual identity and sport • Intersections of race, ethnicity and gender in sport • Framing Title IX policy using conceptual metaphors • Studying the athletic body • Sexual harassment and abuse in sport • Historical developments and current issues from a European perspective The intersecting themes and concepts across chapters are also accentuated. Such a publication provides access to the study of gender relations in sport to students across a variety of disciplines. Emily A. Roper, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health and Kinesiology at Sam Houston State University. Her research focuses on gender, sexuality, and sport.

Negotiating the gay male stereotype in ballet and modern dance

Dance, ballet and modern in particular, is culturally defined as a feminine activity in the United States. The purpose of the present study was to examine the experiences of professional male modern and ballet dancers in the United States. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 current professional ballet and modern dancers. We examined the ways in which the dancers initially became involved in dance, any support or opposition they may have confronted, and the ways in which they negotiated the stereotypical assumptions surrounding men’s involvement in dance. Four emergent themes are discussed: (1) exposure to and entrance into dance; (2) the gay stereotype; (3) negotiating the gay stereotype; and (4) homophobia within the dance community. The social significance of this study is rooted in the ways in which our culture constructs gender, the body, and movement, restricting both males and females from using and exploring their bodies in ways not deemed gender-appropriate. Attention is also given to the ways in which we can create and nurture meaningful experiences for a greater number of individuals.

Women's Career Experiences in Applied Sport Psychology

The purpose of this study was to explore the career experiences and perceptions of women practitioners working in applied sport and exercise psychology. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight professional women regarding their experiences working within the applied domain. Each of the following five emergent themes are discussed: (a) entrance into applied sport psychology, (b) womens status in applied sport psychology, (c) gender discrimination, (d) gaining access, and (e) family and balance. More specifically, this article highlights the participants’ initial interest in applied sport and exercise psychology and the manner in which they gained access to their varied applied opportunities. Particular attention is directed toward their extensive travel and the resultant challenges with balancing work and domestic responsibilities. All of the participants detailed the various forms of gender discrimination encountered throughout their careers and their unique experiences working with both male and female athletes. Lastly, the status of women within the applied domain is addressed by each of the participants.

Swimming Upstream: Former Diversity Committee Chairs’ Perceptions of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology's Commitment to Organizational Diversity

Commitment to diversity within the field of sport psychology is a crucial yet underrepresented research topic. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of individuals who have been instrumental in trying to effect diversity change within the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). Seven of 10 former AASP Diversity Committee chairs were interviewed about their experiences as chairs. Three main themes resulted: (a) the overall experience of being diversity chair, (b) perceived challenges to implementation of initiatives, and (c) perceived current state of affairs related to diversity. Future directions for research and application are given, including a recommendation that AASP create a specific diversity action plan, establishing a clear description of what diversity means within AASP. Moving beyond demographic or visual categories (e.g., skin color, sexual identity, ability status), a broader definition that encompasses the values, beliefs, and practices of a variety of intersectional identit(ies) is required through careful consideration and discussion.

Gender, Sport and Popular Culture

Sports are forms of popular culture deeply rooted in modern society. Within this chapter, we will discuss the meaning of sport and the importance of studying sport from a sociological perspective. This chapter also includes: (a) a discussion of women’s involvement and history in sport from the late 1800s to present, with attention directed toward the barriers that have kept women from participating in different forms of physical activity, (b) an overview of first and second wave sport media research and the televised sports manhood formula, and (c) a brief examination of future directions within sport.