Using Identities to Explore Social Capital Differences Among White and African American Student Athletes

Abstract

Research suggests African American male student-athletes tend to overemphasize their athlete role to the detriment of their academic performance (Harrison 2000). This article extends the literature by examining racial differences in the development of social capital among student-athletes. Results showed racial differences with White student-athletes reporting higher social network totals, trust, and overall social capital. Yet, no significant differences existed amongst studentathletes in either team social networks or team social capital. Results suggest African American athletes have developed a sense of reciprocity at the athletic team level, but this social capital does not extend beyond the sport team setting.

The “New” Student-Athlete: An Exploratory Examination of Scholarship eSports Players

“…The social capital gained through these relationships can be invaluable, particularly for an individual who has not had access to these social avenues in the past. Further, the eSports athletes felt that the high levels of social capital within the eSports teams helped to compensate for the overall lack of social capital with other, more traditional sports teams on campus-a finding that is similar to Clopton's (2011) work.…”

“…More specifically, the social capital processes within the team environment are likely to strengthen the individual's perceived role or place within the unit. This assertion is based on Clopton's (2011) finding that ethnic minority student-athletes-who attended a predominantly White institution-felt more comfortable when in the team setting. Clopton's (2011) findings suggest that the sense of team is critical for students who do not necessarily fit in with the rest of the campus community.…”

“…This assertion is based on Clopton's (2011) finding that ethnic minority student-athletes-who attended a predominantly White institution-felt more comfortable when in the team setting. Clopton's (2011) findings suggest that the sense of team is critical for students who do not necessarily fit in with the rest of the campus community. This is especially relevant considering several of the participants brought up the commonly held stereotypes of being a nerd.…”

“…An important aspect of participating on a sports team, particularity at the collegiate level, is the ability to gain social capital through one's inclusion in that social group. Collegiate athletes have shown a unique ability on college campuses to obtain social capital through their sports participation (Clopton, 2011). In light of their new positions as collegiate student-athletes and the results pertaining to their athlete identity, it was important to examine further if eSports athletes maintained a similar ability to obtain social capital as traditional athletes.…”

“…Consistent with the results on social capital, it was found that eSports athletes were able to gain social capital within their team, but not outside of their team, and specifically not through relationships with other athletes (cf. Clopton, 2011). This limits the potential benefits of bridging social capital as access to diverse and beneficial social networks were unrealized (Putnam, 2000).…”