The re-production of homosexually-themed discourse in educationally-based organised sport

Mark McCormack*, Eric Anderson

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

72 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In this study, we draw on findings from one year of participant observation and 12 indepth interviews with men in a highly-ranked English university rugby team in order to nuance theoretical understandings concerning the re-production of homosexuallythemed discourse in organised sport. We use ethnographic data to theorise the complex relationship between language, homosocial masculine relationships and organised sport. In examining the political, intentional and inadvertent effects of these men's discourses, we define and discuss the notion of gay discourse as a form of heteronormativity that is dissimilar to the traditional use of homophobic discourse. Highlighting that homosexually-themed discourse is best understood as a continuum, we stress the importance of context in interpreting the meaning and explicating the effects of this kind of discourse.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)913-927
Number of pages15
JournalCulture, Health and Sexuality
Volume12
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 9 Oct 2010

Keywords

  • Gay
  • Homophobia
  • Masculinity
  • Sport
  • University students

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