Athletic identity: The role of race and gender in the athletic identification of British basketball players

This study examines the role of race and gender on athletic identification of elite-level basketball players competing within the UK national leagues. In investigating this intersection, the study aims to broaden the cultural scope of the few previous studies that have examined the role of race and athletic identity; these studies have exclusively examined US student-athlete populations. Furthermore, the study aims to improve understanding of genders relationship with athletic identity in contemporary Western society. One hundred and four participants provided demographic information and completed questionnaires relating to athletic identity (Athletic Identity Measurement Scale) and racial identity (Multidimensional Measure of Black Identity). Race and gender were found to have no significant effect on athletic identification. These non-significant findings are discussed within the framework of the somewhat contrasting findings of the preceding literature. Results revealed a statistically significant effect of race on levels of racial identification, in contrast with previous studies within team sports, but supporting non-sporting literature suggesting ethnic minority individuals have higher racial identification than non-minority individuals. It is suggested that differences in societal demographics and sports economies between the UK and US may explain the null-effect of race, while with regards to gender, shifting societal perceptions of sportswomen may explain results. This paper represents the first known study that has examined the influence of race on athletic identity within the UK. Accordingly, suggestions for future enquiry into the influence of individual demographic characteristics on athletic identity are presented.