A1 Journal article (refereed)
Vanhemmat moni-ilmeinen vaikuttaja kilpaurheiluun sosiaalistumisessa (2012)
Parents as a multifaceted factor in the socialization into competitive sports

Aarresola, O., & Konttinen, N. (2012). Vanhemmat moni-ilmeinen vaikuttaja kilpaurheiluun sosiaalistumisessa. Liikunta & Tiede, 49(6), 29-35. file://fileservices.ad.jyu.fi/homes/rsalmine/Downloads/lt612_tutkimusartikkelit_aarresola_lowres.pdf

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Aarresola, Outi; Konttinen, Niilo

Journal or series: Liikunta & Tiede

ISSN: 0358-7010

Publication year: 2012

Volume: 49

Issue number: 6

Pages range: 29-35

Publisher: Liikuntatieteellinen seura

Publication country: Finland

Publication language: Finnish

Persistent website address: file://fileservices.ad.jyu.fi/homes/rsalmine/Downloads/lt612_tutkimusartikkelit_aarresola_lowres.pdf

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/85895

Abstract

In youth sports, parents are traditionally seen as being a source of practical support. However, research results have shown that the role of parents changes with the development of a child’s sports participation. The more intensive the hobby, the more intensively parents are involved. In sports politics as well, parents are more recognized than previously as player in youth sports. This paper examines the role and significance of parents in the socialization of youths into sports. More specifically, the research questions include the parents’ own sporting background, experience of the parents’ impact and the parents’ involvement. The research data consists of a survey sent to 14 to15 year old licensed participants of football, ice hockey, basketball, athletics and cross country skiing. The questionnaire was answered by 2430 young athletes. Statistical analysis of the data was based on a comparison between two groups at different participation levels in each sport. The groups were constructed from the data and are labelled “competitive participants” and “recreational participants”. In comparison to the parents of recreational participants, the parents of competitive participants 1) more often had a sporting background themselves, 2) more often had a strong impact on the young athletes’ interest in sports and 3) were more involved in the sports of their child. All together, the differences between the studied sports were even more significant than the differences between participation groups. The parents were especially significant in the socialization of cross country skiers, and they were the most indifferent when it came to football. The results show multifaceted impacts and levels of involvement by parents. Thus, there is a reason to rethink the parents’ traditional support role of transportation, financing and encouragement. It would be valuable to understand the complex dynamics between competitive sports and family life when considering actions aimed at the parents of young athletes.

Keywords: young people; physical hobbies; competitive sports; parents; underlying factors; participation; youth; socialisation

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2012

JUFO rating: 1