Date of Completion

6-7-2011

Embargo Period

5-17-2011

Advisors

Laura Burton; Janet Fink; John Settlage

Field of Study

Kinesiology

Degree

Master of Arts

Open Access

Open Access

Abstract

For decades, women have sought legal remedy as they tried to break through the metaphorical glass ceiling in a male-dominated workforce. In their efforts to make it to higher positions of power, many endured the subtle taunts and comments, while others struggled with blatant discrimination and environments that clearly did not welcome women (Hardin & Shain, 2005a; 2005b), including their own place of work (Hardin & Whiteside, 2009). In multiple studies, female sports journalists admitted to sexual harassment, but dismissed it as part of the job (Hardin & Shain, 2006; 2005a; 2005b). Public outcry over this phenomenon is minimal, and when it does occur often the victim is the one facing sanctions (Disch & Kane, 1996). This study utilized masculine hegemony and gender role expectations within social capital theory to uncover if negative social capital influenced future sport managers and journalist perceptions of sexual harassment using a sample of n=81 from a large Northeastern university. Results using MANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests demonstrated significant differences between men and women on accepting sexual harassment (p<.05). Correlations between subscales using Kendall’s τ also showed significant positive relationships between trust and locker room norms (p<.001), trust and information networks (p<.01), trust and adherence to beliefs about traditional gender roles (p<.001), information networks and locker room norms (p<.001), and locker room norms and adherence to beliefs about traditional gender roles (p<.001). Results are discussed within the context of social capital and gender roles.

Major Advisor

Jennifer E. Bruening

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