Gender-Stereotyped Barriers Against Women Football Players in Turkey: A Qualitative Perspective on the Eccles’ Expectancy-Value Theory

Abstract

The aim of this qualitative research was to investigate the experiences of women football players in Turkey in terms of Eccles’ expectancy-value theory within a gender stereotypes perspective. A phenomenological method was used to allow a deeper understanding of their experiences. The research group of the research consisted of eight women from three different football league levels in Istanbul, Turkey. Based on semi-structured interviews conducted with eight players, the data were analyzed by thematic analysis. The identified themes after content analysis are: (1) loving football; (2) instrumentality of football; (3) socio-cultural barriers against women players; (4) multidimensional perceived costs. According to these findings, we can illustrate that the social, cultural and institutional environment of the women players creates many problems, difficulties, and deprivations in their participation, which have negative influences on their expectancy for success, task values, and future plans in their sports.