Lone girls: Exploring the experiences of girls on boys' sports teams
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Authors
Coletti, Jen
Date
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Critical feminism , Positive youth development , Girls sport , Gender norms
Alternative Title
Abstract
Existing literature informing our understanding of youth sport experiences has largely involved investigations of populations that are similar to each other (e.g., same age, sex). There are, however, instances in sport where individuals enter situations that counter traditional developmental pathways. An example of such a situation is a girl engaged in sport whereby the remainder of their teammates are boys—a phenomenon known as the ‘lone girl.’ Importantly, researchers have yet to explore the contextual considerations and subsequent developmental outcomes of the lone girl experience. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to engage with youth development literature to explore the experiences of lone girls in sport.
Through semi-structured interviews with former ‘lone girl’ athletes (n = 13) and the use of a dual-narrative analysis, four narrative typologies of the lone girl experience were identified: (1) From Insider to Outsider, (2) Boys’ or Bust, (3) High School Hang-up, and (4) No Road to the Show. Moreover, consultation with youth sport literature revealed implications with respect to the setting, activities, and social dynamics of a lone girl’s sport experience. Further, the application of a critical feminist lens highlighted societal constructions and expectations of gender that influenced participants’ sport involvement and outcomes—thus, providing a holistic understanding of the lone girl experience inclusive of important contextual elements. Finally, this thesis aims to advance knowledge within the positive youth development literature by offering theoretical suggestions, future research directions, and practical suggestions for key stakeholders (e.g., coaches, parents, organizations).
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CC0 1.0 Universal
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
CC0 1.0 Universal