A Lot of Men Have Definitely Gotten Over the Whole ‘No One Wants to Watch Women’s Sports’ Thing”: Fan Perceptions of the Masculinization of Women’s Soccer Fandom
A summary of the research:
The article "A Lot of Men Have Definitely Gotten Over the Whole ‘No One Wants to Watch Women’s Sports’ Thing” by Rachel Allison and Radosław Kossakowski examines the growing presence of male fans in women’s professional soccer. Through interviews with 35 U.S. women’s soccer fans in 2019 and 2023, the study explores shifting perceptions of men’s engagement with the sport. It identifies three key themes: the evolution beyond the "father of daughters" narrative, the development of more inclusive masculinities, and the idea that men’s increased support legitimizes women’s soccer. Fans noted that men are now attending matches out of genuine interest rather than just to support female family members. Additionally, many fans viewed this trend as a sign of changing masculinity, where men increasingly respect women’s athleticism and see them as equal competitors.
However, the study also highlights concerns about whether men’s growing presence in women’s soccer fandom could alter its inclusive culture. Some fans worried that traditional male-dominated sports behaviors—such as aggressive fan culture—might disrupt the welcoming environment of women’s soccer. Others pointed out that while men’s support helps elevate the sport’s visibility, true legitimacy should not rely on male approval. The authors conclude that the "masculinization" of women’s soccer fandom reflects broader social changes and provides an opportunity for continued progress toward gender equality in sports.
Key Takeaways
Men are increasingly attending women’s soccer games out of genuine interest, rather than just to support female family members.
This shift reflects changing masculinity norms, with more men recognizing and respecting women’s athletic abilities.
While men’s support helps raise the sport’s profile, concerns remain about maintaining the inclusive and diverse culture of women’s soccer fandom
Authors: Rachel Allison and Radosław Kossakowski
You can read the entire article here.
