Gender stereotypes in sport. The socialising role of the family.

Abstract

The aims of this study were: (i) to analyse students' gender stereotypes in relation to the practice of physical activities and sports, (ii) to know how their mothers and fathers value these same stereotypes. The study involved 478 students and 434 parents from Galicia (Spain). The questionnaire "Estilo de vida deportiva con perspectiva de género" was used as an instrument of data collection. A chi-square test was carried out to assess the association between the variables gender, educational level and opinion of students and parents/guardians; and Cramer's V to quantify the degree of association between the variables. The results suggest that the gender gap is closing over time, tending towards the overcoming of sport-related gender stereotypes. This notwithstanding, some stereotypes do persist, such as the belief in gender-specific sport. Also noteworthy are both the role families play as social agents in changing gender stereotypes and the fact that the male gender is more resistant to change.