Examining the Relationship Between Young Boxers' Attitudes Towards Gender Roles and Athlete Identities

Abstract

The aim of this research was to investigate the relationship between young boxers' attitudes towards gender roles and their athlete identities. In order to achieve this objective, the study explores the levels of attitudes towards gender roles and athlete identities among young boxers, the impact of gender on gender roles and athlete identity, and the relationship between gender roles and athlete identity. The study utilizes a correlational survey model. The study group consists of 60 young athletes (25 males, 35 females) engaged in boxing in different cities of Turkey, with ages ranging from 14 to 28. Data for the research were collected through a personal information form, an attitude scale towards gender roles, and an athlete identity scale. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, and Pearson correlation analysis were employed for data analysis using the SPSS 22 program. The research findings indicate that young boxers exhibit egalitarian attitude towards gender ((X) ̅ =41.96), and their levels of athlete identity are high (X ̅ =42.71). A significant difference in attitudes towards gender roles is observed between male and female athletes, favoring males (p<0.05). Moreover, the impact of gender on attitudes towards gender roles is found to be substantial (d=0.87). While there is no significant difference in athlete identity scores between male and female athletes, descriptive statistics reveal higher scores for female athletes compared to male athletes. When examining the relationship between athlete identity and attitudes towards gender roles, a positive, low-level, and significant correlation is identified (r=0.286, p<0.05). It is suggested that young individuals aspiring to pursue a career in the boxing field should be aware of these dynamics and critically evaluate their own attributes in comparison to the prevailing circumstances.