The purpose of this study was to explore participants’ academic experiences and confidence about their academic achievement. Participants (N = 27) consisted of high-achieving African American male student—athletes from four academically rigorous American universities in the Pac-Ten conference. Most of the participants competed in revenue-generating sports and were interviewed to obtain a deeper understanding of their successful academic experiences. Utilizing a phenomenological approach four major themes emerged: “I Had to Prove I’m Worthy,” “I’m a Perceived Threat to Society,” “It’s About Time Management,” and “It’s About Pride and Hard Work.” Stereotype threat and stereotype reactance are investigated in relation to findings. Recommendations for scholars and practitioners that work with student-athletes are also articulated.
- African American male student–athletes,
- academic experiences,
- stereotypes,
- stereotype reactance and success
- African American Studies,
- African History,
- Business Administration, Management, and Operations,
- Civic and Community Engagement,
- Civil Rights and Discrimination,
- Cultural History,
- Curriculum and Instruction,
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations,
- Ethnic Studies,
- Feminist Philosophy,
- Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Ethnicity in Communication,
- History of Gender,
- Inequality and Stratification,
- Law and Gender,
- Indigenous Studies,
- Other Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies,
- Race, Ethnicity and Post-Colonial Studies,
- Social and Cultural Anthropology,
- Sports Management,
- Sports Sciences,
- Sports Studies,
- Women's History and
- Women's Studies
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/keith_harrison/1/