Youth Sports
The role of professional sports in coaching and parental involvement in youth sports
The social construction of hegemonic masculinity has long been reinforced through patriarchal sport, shaping the way young men understand what it means to "be a real man." While opportunities for women in sports have expanded, the culture surrounding masculinity in sport remains deeply entrenched in outdated and harmful ideals.
Men are often encouraged to define themselves through aggression, dominance, and physical toughness at times, at the cost of their own well-being. This manifests as self-abuse, harm toward other men, and even violence toward women. Instead of fostering resilience and sportsmanship, many sporting environments continue to glorify a version of masculinity that prioritizes power over personal growth.
The social construction of hegemonic masculinity has long been reinforced through patriarchal sport, shaping the way young men understand what it means to "be a real man." While opportunities for women in sports have expanded, the culture surrounding masculinity in sport remains deeply entrenched in outdated and harmful ideals.
Men are often encouraged to define themselves through aggression, dominance, and physical toughness at times, at the cost of their own well-being. This manifests as self-abuse, harm toward other men, and even violence toward women. Instead of fostering resilience and sportsmanship, many sporting environments continue to glorify a version of masculinity that prioritizes power over personal growth.
"It's hard to change when the
fanbase and parents still think that's what the hockey culture is all about."
"It's hard to change when the
fanbase and parents still think that's what the hockey culture is all about."
Women's sports, once seen as an alternative to these hyper masculine norms, are now experiencing similar issues, as sport remains a key site for reinforcing hegemonic masculinity. The way athletes "chirp" at each other using verbal intimidation to provoke a reaction illustrates how competition is often reduced to psychological warfare rather than skill, reinforcing aggression as a primary mode of engagement.
The consequences of this model of masculinity are severe. Many athletes struggle with identity and mental health after their playing careers end, having spent years immersed in a culture that equates worth with dominance. Without the structure of sport, some are left questioning who they are, abandoned without the emotional tools to navigate life beyond the game.
The challenge, then, is to redefine what it means to "be a man" in a way that is healthy, sustainable, and inclusive. This doesn’t mean stripping men of their identity but rather expanding the definition to include emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and respect. However, for many, it is deeply unsettling to hear other men challenge traditional masculinity. It can feel like an attack on their very sense of self.
Women's sports, once seen as an alternative to these hyper masculine norms, are now experiencing similar issues, as sport remains a key site for reinforcing hegemonic masculinity. The way athletes "chirp" at each other using verbal intimidation to provoke a reaction illustrates how competition is often reduced to psychological warfare rather than skill, reinforcing aggression as a primary mode of engagement.
The consequences of this model of masculinity are severe. Many athletes struggle with identity and mental health after their playing careers end, having spent years immersed in a culture that equates worth with dominance. Without the structure of sport, some are left questioning who they are, abandoned without the emotional tools to navigate life beyond the game.
The challenge, then, is to redefine what it means to "be a man" in a way that is healthy, sustainable, and inclusive. This doesn’t mean stripping men of their identity but rather expanding the definition to include emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and respect. However, for many, it is deeply unsettling to hear other men challenge traditional masculinity. It can feel like an attack on their very sense of self.
"The longer they're in the culture, the more violent they become."
"The longer they're in the culture, the more violent they become."
If we truly want to support men in being their best selves, we must transform sport into a space that fosters not just physical excellence but also emotional and social well-being. This means shifting away from violence and intimidation as markers of masculinity and toward values of respect, integrity, and self-awareness. Only then can we break the cycle and create a culture where both men and women can thrive.
If we truly want to support men in being their best selves, we must transform sport into a space that fosters not just physical excellence but also emotional and social well-being. This means shifting away from violence and intimidation as markers of masculinity and toward values of respect, integrity, and self-awareness. Only then can we break the cycle and create a culture where both men and women can thrive.
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