Adolescent Football Players’ Attitudes in Cyprus Toward Gender Stereotypes, Masculinity, and Gender-Based Violence

This study examined how toxic masculinity, gender-based violence, and sports engagement intersect among adolescent football players in Cyprus. Focus groups with 34 participants (average age 15.3 years, M = 28, F = 6) explored three key areas: (1) perceptions of gender stereotypes and traditional mas...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Shiakou, Monica (Author) ; Alexopoulos, Antonis (Author) ; Vasou, Celia (Author) ; Nicolaou, Pantelitsa (Author) ; Epaminonda, Maria (Author) ; Neofitides, Spyros (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: 2026
In: Violence against women
Year: 2026, Volume: 32, Issue: 1, Pages: 133-157
Online Access: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
Check availability: HBZ Gateway
Keywords:
gender-based violence
Gender stereotypes
Perceptions
football
Adolescence
toxic masculinity
Description
Summary:This study examined how toxic masculinity, gender-based violence, and sports engagement intersect among adolescent football players in Cyprus. Focus groups with 34 participants (average age 15.3 years, M = 28, F = 6) explored three key areas: (1) perceptions of gender stereotypes and traditional masculinity in sports; (2) attitudes toward gender-based violence and their behavioral impacts; and (3) how sports involvement influences traditional gender norms. Findings showed that male players held sexist views, saw men as protectors and women as vulnerable, and frequently encountered gender-based violence, though they struggled to define and address it. The study supports prior research linking sports to traditional masculinity and gender-based violence and suggests ways of engaging men and boys in ending gender-based violence.
ISSN:1552-8448
DOI:10.1177/10778012241309361