DESCRIPTION
Research in the field of sports has shown that transgressive behaviour is a disturbingly common phenomenon, significantly impacting individuals' physical and mental health. These behaviours often go unnoticed or unaddressed, leaving lasting scars on those affected. However, effective change requires a cultural shift. But what specific norms and values must be transformed to restore safety in sports?
Recent research by Haandrikman and Schipper-van Veldhoven (2024) focused on identifying underlying norms and values that contribute to the existence of a sports culture that allows transgressive behaviours to happen. They examined how power dynamics within sports, such as those between coaches and athletes, shape behavioural norms that not only influence the occurrence of transgressive behaviours but also sustain their existence over time. Their theoretical framework underlines that it is about how individuals exhibit power, in what contact, over whom, and with what effects.
However, the culture within student sports can be influenced by the coexistence of two distinct worlds: sports and parties. Furthermore, the organisational structure of student sports differs from that of traditional sports organisations and peers are often active in roles as coaches or board members. As a result, the two worlds of sports and parties intertwine and may increase the risk of transgressive behaviours. But how does this work?
To date, there has been very limited research on transgressive behaviours in student sports. As far as current knowledge extends, the impact of student-like norms and values on the occurrence and persistence of transgressive behaviours in sports remains largely unexplored. Therefore, this study represents an initial exploration into the hidden influence of norms and values within student sports cultures that may drive transgressive behaviours.
Keywords
Transgressive behaviours, student sports, culture, student-like norms and values
Research question
What student-like norms and values within student sports associations contribute to a potential increased risk of transgressive behaviours?
TYPE OF Research
This study will entail a mixed-methods approach. The first exploration will be obtained through a quantitative part in the form of a questionnaire. A more in-depth exploration will be obtained through a qualitative part in the form of interviews.
DATA-ANALySIS
The qualitative data of this study will be analysed through Atlas.ti. The quantitative data of this study will be analysed by quantitative data analysis programmes such as R.
INFORMATION
Please contact Lynn Weiher (l.weiher@utwente.nl) if you are interested in this assignment. The assignment is open to one student.
Literature
Blanchard, J., Weinstein, M., & Rojas, F. A. (2021). Substance use, sexual violence, and the culture surrounding college sports: what can Clery data tell us? Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics, 14, 256-267. https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/jiia/vol14/iss1/28
Haandrikman, M. J. M., & Schipper-van Veldhoven, N. (2024). Building European Safe Sports Together: a conceptual framework of transgressive behaviour. Project BESST. Erasmus+. https://besst-safesport.eu/safe-sport/
Maas, M. K., Cary, K. M., Clancy, E. M., Klettke, B., McCauley, H. L., & Temple, J. R. (2021). Slutpage use among U.S. college students: the secret and social platforms of image-based sexual abuse. Archives of Sexual Behaviour, 50, 2203-2214. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-021-01920-1