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Masculinity and hockey violence

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Abstract

Qualitative research on the relationship between masculinity and hockey violence has suggested that players endorsing traditional masculine behavior were more likely to engage in violence than players who held weaker masculine beliefs. Data were collected from white, middle class players on five Toronto hockey teams representing two different age groups (14.3 and 17.7 years respectively) and skill levels (Bantam and Junior A). Moderate support was found for the predicted relationship between higher masculinity and increased violence, particularly at the preprofessional Junior A level. Subscales of the Brannon Masculinity Scale, applied to a sport situation, were seen to be a valid measure of gender typing. Increased levels of violence (especially fist fights), more than playing or skating skills were seen to lead to greater perception of competence by both teammates and coaches.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. York University, Canada

    Marc D. Weinstein, Michael D. Smith & David L. Wiesenthal

Authors
  1. Marc D. Weinstein
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  2. Michael D. Smith
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  3. David L. Wiesenthal
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Additional information

This article is based on research performed by Marc Weinstein in partial fulfillment of the master's degree requirements of York University. The research was supervised by the late Professor Michael D. Smith, Director of the LaMarsh Centre for Research on Violence and Conflict Resolution. This paper is dedicated to Mike Smith, who died on June 21, 1994. Throughout his short battle with cancer, Mike's devotion to his research and to his students never waned. Although Mike's contribution to research in both the area of sports and domestic violence are extensive, his loss is equally tragic in light of the respect and kindness he displayed toward others. Mike will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

The authors wish to thank Professor Caroline Davis who served on Marc Weinstein's thesis committee, as well as the many athletes who volunteered their time to make the present research possible. We wish to thank Dr. Peggy Ng of the Institute for Social Research for her statistical consultation.

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Weinstein, M.D., Smith, M.D. & Wiesenthal, D.L. Masculinity and hockey violence. Sex Roles 33, 831–847 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01544782

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