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Exploring the experiences of female sport fans: A collaborative self-ethnography

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  • Larena Hoeber
  • Shannon Kerwin

Abstract

► We examined the gendered experiences of two female sport fans using collaborative self-ethnography. ► Both negotiated their definition of being a sport fan. ► Both saw themselves, at times, as outsiders in the sport fan world. ► Both marginalised other women at sport events.Hegemonic masculinity would suggest that sport fandom is the exclusive domain of men and women are subordinate. Yet, it is apparent that women make up a significant portion of the professional sport spectator market. As such, it is important to systematically examine the role of hegemonic masculinity in the female sport fan experience. The purpose of this paper was to document, explore, and reflect upon personal experiences of female sport fans using a collaborative self-ethnography approach. Over a period of 3 months, we documented our experiences attending professional sport events (e.g., Major League Baseball, Canadian Football League) in the United States and Canada. Analysis of the data occurred through a process of sharing and critical reflection of our narratives. We identified three common themes that defined our experiences as female sport fans: (a) negotiating our definition of being a sport fan, (b) female sport fan as “the outsider”, and (c) marginalisation of other women. Our work provides some insight into the lived experiences of female sport fans. Discussion of the findings is intended to shed light on the conversation regarding hegemonic masculinity within the sport fan literature.

Suggested Citation

  • Larena Hoeber & Shannon Kerwin, 2013. "Exploring the experiences of female sport fans: A collaborative self-ethnography," Sport Management Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 16(3), pages 326-336, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:rsmrxx:v:16:y:2013:i:3:p:326-336
    DOI: 10.1016/j.smr.2012.12.002
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Shaw, Sally & Hoeber, Larena, 2016. "Unclipping our wings: Ways forward in qualitative research in sport management," Sport Management Review, Elsevier, vol. 19(3), pages 255-265.
    2. Baker, Bradley J. & Zhou, Xiaochen & Pizzo, Anthony D. & Du, James & Funk, Daniel C., 2017. "Collaborative self-study: Lessons from a study of wearable fitness technology and physical activity," Sport Management Review, Elsevier, vol. 20(1), pages 114-127.
    3. Cox, Michele & Dickson, Geoff & Cox, Barbara, 2017. "Lifting the veil on allowing headscarves in football: A co-constructed and analytical autoethnography," Sport Management Review, Elsevier, vol. 20(5), pages 522-534.
    4. Lisiane Caroline Rodrigues Hermes & Regina Raber & Cassiana Maris Lima Cruz & Janine Fleith de Medeiros, 2016. "Women that fight: The female participation in mixed martial arts events," Brazilian Business Review, Fucape Business School, vol. 13(Special I), pages 22-37, November.
    5. Cooper, Joseph N. & Grenier, Robin S. & Macaulay, Charles, 2017. "Autoethnography as a critical approach in sport management: Current applications and directions for future research," Sport Management Review, Elsevier, vol. 20(1), pages 43-54.
    6. Tainsky, Scott & Kerwin, Shannon & Xu, Jie & Zhou, Yilun, 2014. "Will the real fans please remain seated? Gender and television ratings for pre-game and game broadcasts," Sport Management Review, Elsevier, vol. 17(2), pages 190-204.
    7. Doyle, Jason P. & Filo, Kevin & Lock, Daniel & Funk, Daniel C. & McDonald, Heath, 2016. "Exploring PERMA in spectator sport: Applying positive psychology to examine the individual-level benefits of sport consumption," Sport Management Review, Elsevier, vol. 19(5), pages 506-519.
    8. Sveinson, Katherine & Hoeber, Larena & Toffoletti, Kim, 2019. "“If people are wearing pink stuff they’re probably not real fans”: Exploring women’s perceptions of sport fan clothing," Sport Management Review, Elsevier, vol. 22(5), pages 736-747.
    9. Delia, Elizabeth B., 2017. "March sadness: Coping with fan identity threat," Sport Management Review, Elsevier, vol. 20(4), pages 408-421.
    10. Rich, Kyle A. & Misener, Laura, 2017. "Insiders, outsiders, and agents of change: First person action inquiry in community sport management," Sport Management Review, Elsevier, vol. 20(1), pages 8-19.

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