Attitudes toward sport: The case of Puerto Rican undergraduates by Morales-Figueroa, Ilia Nilsa, Ph.D., University of Minnesota, 1999, 169 pages; AAT 9946998
Abstract (Summary)
This study was conducted in an attempt to explore three themes that would give support to either the functionalist or conflict theory, or both. Utilizing a sample of n = 216 volunteer undergraduate students at the University of Puerto Rico, the relationship between sport participation and education, attitudes toward the psychosocial functions of sport, and attitudes toward female sport participation were explored. The Sociological and Individual Functions of Sport Questionnaire was developed to collect the data. It is a four section questionnaire that takes 15-20 minutes to be completed. The results of the study gave support to both of the theories utilized as frameworks. Supporting the functionalist theory, findings included that attitudes toward sport were very positive. Participants believed that sport serves to develop good citizens, self-discipline, and respect for authority, among other values. Sport was also found to be a determinant of career aspirations for the competitive athletes. In general, participants believed that sport is an important institution for society. Supporting the conflict theory, it was found that there were many important barriers preventing female participation in sport. One of the most important barriers indicated that some females are discouraged to participate, which may be evidence of a conservative attitude toward female participation in sport. Other important barriers included the lack of female coaches, lack of administrative support and resources, and the contention that sport is still considered a male domain. Recommendations to minimize these barriers and improve the status of females in sport and the sport structure itself were suggested.
Indexing (document details)
Advisor: Krotee, March L.
School: University of Minnesota
School Location: United States -- Minnesota
Keyword(s): Attitudes toward sport, Puerto Rican, Undergraduates, Sport, Women students
Source: DAI-A 60/09, p. 3305, Mar 2000
Source type: Dissertation
Subjects: Physical education, Womens studies, Minority & ethnic groups, Sociology
Publication Number: AAT 9946998
ISBN: 9780599491595
Document URL: http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=730312221&sid=25&Fmt=2&cl
ientId=45091&RQT=309&VName=PQD
ProQuest document ID: 730312221Copyright © 2011 ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved.