A Foucauldian auto-ethnographic account of a male former soccer player's move to coaching female players
Full title: A Foucauldian auto-ethnographic account of a male former soccer player's move to coaching female players: a call to problematize the importation of gendered assumptions during a common coaching transition
A summary of the research:
The article "Half-time Blues: A Foucauldian Auto-Ethnographic Account of a Male Former Soccer Player's Move to Coaching Female Players" by Zoe Avner (2024) explores the transition of a male former soccer player into a coaching role for a women's team, focusing on the challenges and assumptions he brought into this new environment. Using Foucauldian theory, the article critically examines how gendered assumptions influenced the coach’s approach to his female players. Avner reflects on the ingrained behaviors and beliefs he carried from his experience in men's soccer, revealing how these preconceptions affected his relationships and coaching strategies with female athletes. Through auto-ethnographic narratives, the article underscores the need for reflective and gender-sensitive coaching practices to foster a positive environment for female athletes.
The study advocates for more educational resources tailored to male coaches in female sports contexts, especially those who transition directly from men’s sports environments. By analyzing the coach’s journey and the sociocultural adjustments he made, the article calls for a more nuanced understanding of the gendered dynamics in coaching. It emphasizes that transitioning male coaches must consciously engage in self-reflection to avoid perpetuating limiting stereotypes and to create a respectful, inclusive coaching atmosphere.
Key Takeaways
Male coaches transitioning to women's sports often bring gendered assumptions that can hinder effective coaching relationships and practices.
Reflective, gender-sensitive approaches are crucial to developing coaching strategies that respect female athletes' unique dynamics and needs.
Educational resources and sociocultural training are needed to support male coaches in adapting their methods to foster a more inclusive sports environment.
Author: Zoe Avner
You can read the whole research here.
