Variation in High School Sports Participation Across U.S. States

Presentation Type

Poster/Portfolio

Presenter Major(s)

Psychology, Statistics

Mentor Information

Robert Deaner, deanerr@gvsu.edu

Department

Psychology

Location

Kirkhof Center KC19

Start Date

13-4-2011 3:00 PM

End Date

13-4-2011 4:00 PM

Abstract

Cross-cultural studies reveal that the sports played in a particular society reflect its functional priorities and values. For example, combative sports are more popular in societies that frequently engage in warfare. Here we explore whether this functionalist approach can explain variation in girls' and boys' high school sports participation across U.S. states. Using data from the National Federation of State High School Associations, we tested and found support for two hypotheses: (1) girls' participation should be relatively higher in states where females attain relatively better economic and educational outcomes; and (2) masculine sports, especially, combative male team sports (e.g., football), are more popular in politically conservative states. These results highlight the meaningful variability within the U.S., and, apparently for first time, relate it to the realm of sports.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS
 
Apr 13th, 3:00 PM Apr 13th, 4:00 PM

Variation in High School Sports Participation Across U.S. States

Kirkhof Center KC19

Cross-cultural studies reveal that the sports played in a particular society reflect its functional priorities and values. For example, combative sports are more popular in societies that frequently engage in warfare. Here we explore whether this functionalist approach can explain variation in girls' and boys' high school sports participation across U.S. states. Using data from the National Federation of State High School Associations, we tested and found support for two hypotheses: (1) girls' participation should be relatively higher in states where females attain relatively better economic and educational outcomes; and (2) masculine sports, especially, combative male team sports (e.g., football), are more popular in politically conservative states. These results highlight the meaningful variability within the U.S., and, apparently for first time, relate it to the realm of sports.