Race, gender, and disability: A new paradigm towards full participation and equal opportunity in sport

• Main Author: Fay, Theodore G
• Language: ENG
• Published: ScholarWorks@UMass Amherst 1999
• Subjects: Minority & ethnic groups|Sociology|Physical education
• Online Access: https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations/AAI9950151

Full participation and equal opportunity in sport in America historically has not been available to a variety of identity groups based on race, gender and disability. Many studies have described the fate of African-Americans and women in sport, but very few have examined a similar relationship with respect to athletes with disabilities. Furthermore, there has been limited examination of issues of vertical integration of these identity groups within the management or executive levels of sport organizations. This work proposes a new theoretical framework (i.e., Critical Change Factors Model - CCFM) based on critical, distributive justice, and open systems theories. Two longitudinal case studies were presented that examine the degrees of integration and inclusion achieved by African-American males in Major League Baseball and women in intercollegiate sport. Basic descriptive statistics and qualitative data analysis techniques were used to present each case. An organizational continuum of workplace diversity and a three-tiered social stratification model were incorporated to help illustrate the historical progression of integration of each group. The conceptual model was designed to allow for the comparative analysis and generalizability of recommendations across identity groups. The model provided key insights and findings in the complexities of organizational change related to identity group integration. A strategic management process approach was used to apply the findings from this comparison to athletes with disabilities as a third identity group, thereby creating a new equity paradigm incorporating disability. This focused on the potential for systems change as an organizational function within the context of both internal and external environments. Recommendations directed at organizations to become more accepting and tolerant institutions focused on strategies that sport managers can employ to improve conditions at each stratification level. Recommendations for removing or diminishing resistance to greater diversity within sport organizations included the identification, development and distribution limited resources in a more equitable manner to newcomer groups. Recommendations also centered on the broader application of the theoretical and practical concepts presented in this study to any particular identity group as it might be related to any organization, regardless of its purpose and enterprise.