[UK] FA begin research into homophobia in sport
Thursday 23 Apr 2009
The FA has started to conduct research in an attempt to crack down on gender discrimination and homophobia.
Two researchers have been recruited by the FA to find out more about the football experience of people from gay, lesbian and bi-sexual communities.
The research aims to frame future FA policy and activities, which will consequently encourage greater activity from these groups.
The two areas of research include 'Gender and Coaching Study' and 'Homophobic bullying in sport, with particular reference to the experience of bi-sexual athletes'.
'Gender and Coaching Study' is a piece of research being carried out by Dr Leanne Norman, a lecturer and researcher from the Sports Coaching group within the Carnegie Faculty of Sport and Education at Leeds Metropolitan University.
Women-centred examination
There are very few women in the coaching profession, which means their voice often goes unheard. Dr Norman intends to carry out a qualitative, women-centred examination of coaching cultures from the perspective of lesbian coaches from UK sports.
'Homophobic bullying in sport, with particular reference to the experience of bisexual athletes' is being researched by Katie Maddocks, a PhD student at Brunel University.
This study will revolve around specific experiences of bisexual people in sport, within the broader context of homophobic bullying in sport.
This research will hopefully fill the current void in the literature regarding bisexual sporting experiences as current research predominantly relates to gay and lesbian people.
Research will be qualitative through detailed interviews with bisexual athletes.
If you are interested in participating in Ms Maddocks' study or finding out more, please email Katherine.Maddocks@brunel.ac.uk
If you are interested in participating in Dr Norman's study or finding out more, please email L.J.Norman@leedsmet.ac.uk
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