Interaction Among Gender, Race/Ethnicity, and School Sports Participation in Youth Development

• In Event: 58.082 - Roundtable Session 25
  In Roundtable Session: 58.082-19 - Let's Talk About Student-Athlete Outcomes: The Gender and Race Conversation

Abstract

This study investigates whether the relationship between participation in school sports and youth development is similar for both female and male students. Moreover, the association between youth development and interaction among students’ gender, race/ethnicity, and school sports participation was examined. Utilizing a survey of 79,339 Minnesota students, results suggest sports participation enhances some of a sense of support and developmental skill for female students, but increase some of developmental challenges for minority female students. The results of this study demonstrate that the role of school-organized sports in student development is complex, and that more research is needed to understand the experience of different groups of students within these sports in order for participation to foster positive outcomes for all students.

Authors

• Youngsoon Kang, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

• Martin Van Boekel, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

• Okan Bulut, University of Alberta

• Kyle Nickodem, University of Minnesota

• Jose R. Palma Zamora, University of Minnesota

• Kory Vue, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

• Yoojeong Jang, University of Minnesota

• Michael C. Rodriguez, University of Minnesota