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Article
White College Students’ Explanations of White (and Black) Athletic Performance: A Qualitative Investigation of White College Students
Sociology of Sport Journal (2011)
  • C. Keith Harrison, Ed.D., University of Central Florida
  • Suzanne Malia Lawrence, Ph.D., Azusa Pacific University
  • Scott Bukstein, JD, University of Central Florida
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.
Disciplines
Publication Date
September, 2011
Citation Information
C. Keith Harrison, Suzanne Malia Lawrence and Scott Bukstein. "White College Students’ Explanations of White (and Black) Athletic Performance: A Qualitative Investigation of White College Students" Sociology of Sport Journal Vol. 28 Iss. 3 (2011)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/scott_bukstein/5/