The social stereotype of Italian adolescents during sports practice

Abstract

One of the activities that teenagers practice more often is sport in their free time, having said that stereotypical behaviours during their practice can influence sports activity. The aim of the present study has been to look into the different perceptions that adolescents have about social, ethnic, sports and gender stereotypes about prejudices and attitudes during sports activity as an inclusive environment; using the «Sport e Integrazione sociale. Indagine sulle suole secundarie di secondo grado in Italia» (Caruso, G, et.al. 2018) instrument. This study has been carried out in Bologna (Italy), with participants (N = 286) between 12 and 15 years old (M= 12.72). The results show that there are differences in gender, discrimination and origin (r= .307) (Sig=.000); gender and discrimination towards women (r = .133) (Sig. =. 25); gender and physical appearance (r = .182) (Sig. =. 029); and improving your physical appearance (M= .416) (p = .012) versus the habits of a sedentary group. In conclusion, the stereotyped images through sport regarding gender and the development of the activity that are continually questioned are still confirmed.