AusLeisure

New research from Monash University examining why homophobic language is used in youth rugby has found 60% of players say they use terms in order to get a laugh from their teammates, while just 10% say these slurs are used to express ‘homophobia’.

Despite ‘zero tolerance’ policies, 75% of participants reported hearing teammates using homophobic slurs in the past two weeks alone, while 52% of boys admitted to using these slurs themselves.

In order to develop effective solutions, as New Zealand Rugby has pledged to do, it is critical to understand why this language remains commonplace in male sport. The study findings provide direction to researchers and sport leaders who hope to develop focused programs to stop homophobic language in sport.

Monash researchers are presenting findings from their study at the World Congress of Sociology of Sport 2019 at the University of Otago, New Zealand, between 24th and 27th April.

The research will be presented as part of a session chaired by Monash Professor Richard Pringle, who will be presenting research critiquing recent suggestions by some that homophobia is no longer a significant problem in male team sport.

The theme of the 2019 International Sociology of Sport Association congress is, ‘Sociology of Sport and Alternative Futures’ which aims to continue to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and debate. Scholars spanning the fields of sociology, anthropology, history, geography, politics, economics, media and communication studies, and gender studies are increasingly recognising the social significance of sport as a cultural form and practice.

For more information go to the event listing in the Australasian Leisure Management calendar www.ausleisure.com.au/events/world-congress-of-sociology-of-sport-2019/

Related Articles

12th April 2019 - Pride in Sport welcomes NSW Rugby Union and Rugby Australia action against Israel Folau

9th April 2019 - Awards return to celebrate LGBTQ inclusion in Australian sport

31st August 2018 - Study shows education can change homophobic attitudes in sport

20th June 2018 - Athletes, clubs and organisations recognised for LGBTI inclusion

1st April 2016 - Australian Rugby Union and SKINS support ‘Rainbow Round of Sport’

31st March 2016 - Rainbow Laces campaign aims to kick homophobia out of sport

28th June 2015 - Anti-Homophobia in sport campaign wins international awards

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