Investigation of the relationship between the ambivalent sexism and athletic identity in male athletes

Objective: Ambivalent sexism theory has been developed due to negative behaviours and attitudes towards women based on inaccurate and stereotyped generalizations in so many different fields of life such as in daily life, in business life, on the street and in sports. In this context, the relationship between athletic identities of male wrestlers, kick boxers and football players, which are known as masculine sports, and ambivalent sexism was aimed to be determined through qualitative methodologies and explained in depth through qualitative methodologies. Method: In this study, mixed methods approach was applied combining both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. In order to determine athletic identities of subjects, Athletic Identity Measurement Scale and in order to determine sexist attitudes of athletes, Ambivalent Sexism Inventory were used to collect quantitative data. Furthermore, a focus group interview was conducted in order to collect qualitative data, and semi-structured interview method was applied. Results: The quantitative data were obtained from 376 male wrestlers, kick boxers and football players and qualitative data were derived from 15 male athletes. Results indicated that there were statistically significant differences in scores of Athletic Identity Measurement Scale, "Benevolent Sexism", "Benevolent Sexism Heterosexual Intimacy" and Ambivalent Sexism with regard to three different branches. Additionally, qualitative findings were parallel with quantitative findings. Conclusion: The results of quantitative and qualitative analysis indicated that male athletes showed a strong athletic identity, and while the highest scores were obtained from football players, the lowest scores were noted in wrestlers. Furthermore, the scores from highest to lowest were noticed in football players, kick boxers and wrestlers respectively with regard to ambivalent sexism attitudes and sub-dimensions of ambivalent sexism. As a result of qualitative findings, sexism based on environmental factors and patriarchy was pointed out.