Chapter 11 Race, Ethnicity, and Sport

Chapter Outline Classifications of Race and Ethnicity Sport Participation Among Racial and Ethnic Minorities Sport and Promoting Equality Minorities as Sport Leaders Chapter Summary

Definitions Race: Social category constructed and accepted by society to describe members with genetic similarity Ethnicity: The cultural heritage of a group Racism: A belief of superiority of one race over another Minority group: In the United States, all groups except whites

Shifting Demographics (U.S. Census, 2008) U.S. population by racial groups 2008 and projected for 2050 (table 11.1 on page 199): Racial group 2008 2050 Whites 66% 46% Hispanic/Latino 15% 30% African American 14% Asian American 5% 9%

Population and Sport Participation of Minorities Refer to tables 11.2 (page 200) and 11.3 (page 201). Concentration of minorities in certain areas will likely influence sporting preferences. Latino population is no longer concentrated in a few states. African American population is growing the most in the South.

African American Athletes Advances against racism in sport since 1960s civil rights movement. But . . . In 1947 Jackie Robinson broke through the color barrier and was Rookie of the Year. By the 1950s, participation percentages matched population percentages. Blacks are overrepresented in basketball and football but underrepresented in the majority of sports.

Racial Differences in Sport Biological reasons Not supported (e.g., Kenyans versus Ethiopians) Cultural and social reasons Emphasis on activities varies by culture Sport seen as means of social mobility Many athletic role models Opportunity structures Facilities, resources available (money, programs)

Stacking Unusual distribution of whites and blacks in certain sport positions cannot be explained by a random distribution. Historically, minorities disproportionately found in specific team positions. (continued)

Stacking (continued) Whites in “thinking” and “outcome control” positions Blacks in speed positions See table 11.4 on page 205 for stacking in the NFL

Discussion Is stacking still a significant issue?

Exploitation of Minority Athletes Given special treatment in classroom Promoted through grades Pressured into “easy” majors (continued)

Exploitation of Minority Athletes (continued) Graduation rates are low. African American women are especially exploited. Pros and colleges want athletes in college for reasons not related to athletes’ best interests.

Latino and Hispanic Athletes Hispanic: All people whose ethnic heritage is traced to Spanish-speaking countries Latino and Latina: Typically, reference to people of Latin America Great diversity among Latino groups Most known for baseball and soccer March 2006: First National Hispanic Games

Asian American Athletes Along with Latinos, are fastest-growing minority population in United States. Take different path from that of African Americans and Latinos. Sport not used as means toward economic, social, or educational goals. Culture and perhaps body type mean different sporting choices.

Native American Athletes 0.9% of population is Native American. Poverty rate on reservations is 50%. Stereotypical, dehumanizing images used for names, mascots, and logos. NCAA now limiting use of names, images. Native American Sports Council is part of the Olympic Movement, and North American Indigenous Games have become big event.

Discussion What is your view of the Native American mascot issue? Do you know any Native Americans who have a view on the issue?

Legacy of Lacrosse Created by Native Americans. With skill, speed, agility, it’s a fast-paced sport. Has grown 10% annually over past 15 years. 39 states have U.S. Lacrosse chapters, more than half a million members playing. 39.5% growth in college participation and 200% growth in high school participation.

Key Point Employment: The proportion of minorities as college and professional coaches and administration is lower than that of the general population and vastly lower than athlete percentages.

Sport as Negative Force for Equality Pro sport is an unrealistic career goal. College graduation rates of Black male athletes (48%) now above those of Black male students (38%). Black female athletes graduate at 68% rate, compared to 50% for all Black females. Black families 8 times more likely than Whites to pressure child into sport.

Sport as a Positive Force for Equality Sport success linked to self-confidence (role models can be positive). It’s a way out of poverty for some. Integration is easier through sports. School-based programs are free. Unique travel possibilities raise awareness. Encourages a healthy lifestyle.

Minorities as Sport Leaders Annual race report card from University of Central Florida: Number of collegiate coaches who are minorities is low. See table 11.7 on page 218. Minority owners even fewer, though there are some (e.g., Jordan, Moreno).

Ways to Promote Diversity in Sport Assist in collecting and reporting data. Require leaders to report racism. Major sport organizations need to include minorities at all levels. Media need to recruit minority journalists. Get government support for programs. Adopt nondiscrimination policies.