Perceives Characteristics of Sports Categorized as Gender-Neutral, Feminine and Masculine.

Koivula, Nathalie

The labeling of different activities as feminine and masculine is largely a social construction based on stereotyped expectations regarding gender and perceived gender differences. Sports have generally been labeled as masculine, although some sports are considered to be feminine. Suggestions based on theoretical considerations have been made about the features that may underlie the categorization of sports as feminine or masculine. The goal of this study was to examine what men and women perceive to be characteristic of different sports and of the participants of these sports. The purpose was also to examine whether these perceptions could be related to beliefs about gender appropriateness regarding sport participation. The results revealed that sports categorized as gender-neutral, feminine, and masculine, were perceived as different on several features, such as aesthetics and femininity, danger and risk, speed, and masculinity. These perceptions are in accordance with stereotyped expectations of femininity and masculinity and could explain the perceptions of some sports as feminine or masculine.

SPORTS psychology; GENDER role

Journal of Sport Behavior, 2001, Vol 24, Issue 4, p377

0162-7341

Academic Journal