An Analysis of Changes in Perceptions of Certified Athletic Trainers from 1996 to 2006 on the Women in Athletic Training Survey

This study investigates how perceptions vary in athletic trainers regarding issues pertaining to women in the profession. Subjects included 1500 male and 1500 female certified athletic trainers who responded to 44 demographic and perceptions survey items used to determine whether perceptions were different based on the respondent's gender. Results were compared to a previously disseminated survey in 1996 to also determine if perceptions had changed from 10 years earlier. Results regarding the presentation of awards and the attainment of leadership positions in the organization were also compared to actual data collected. The data suggested that males perceptions had not changed, but females' perceptions had changed, in that females perceived that opportunities had improved. Data regarding the number of females who had ascended to leadership positions or had received awards did not support these perceptions, however, and female athletic trainers continue to struggle to obtain equality in both of these areas. Additionally, homosocial reproduction continues to influence the decreased number of women who are hired into various jobs, or advance into leadership positions, maintaining patriarchy in the athletics arena and in the athletic training organizations. Results suggested that because athletic training has been dominated by men since its inception, patriarchy continues to influence the lack of ascension of women into leadership positions and awards recognition. Many women are choosing to leave the profession due to the gender role pressure that they can not sustain a career in athletic training and raise a family. Men's professional sports continue to reject the concept of hiring women to serve as athletic trainers with their athletes, which also continues to preserve a patriarchal environment.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of North Texas

Year dc:date

2007

Author dc:creator

• Dieringer, Katherine I.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Contreras, Gloria
• Abels, Karen Weiller
• Laney, James

• athletic training
• females
• patriarchy
• hegemony
• awards
• Athletic trainers -- United States.
• Women in medicine -- United States.
• Sex discrimination in sports -- United States.

Statement dc:rights

• Public
• Copyright
• Dieringer, Katherine I.
• Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

oclc: 179864088
https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc3679/
ark: ark:/67531/metadc3679

OAI identifier oai:identifier

info:ark/67531/metadc3679