Liminal Athletes: Abusive Hazing and Masculinities in Homosocial Team Sports1

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to reveal the dimensions and qualities of violence and abuse in sports through hazing in Turkish sample. We also consider hazing, which involves inhuman and deviant behavior, through masculinities, homosociality, and liminality. We applied qualitative research method with social constructionist and pro-feminist approach. We used in-depth interview and visual painting application technique with a retrospective design. We carried out painting application and interviewed 28 athletes from team branches such as football, basketball, volleyball, rowing, water polo, underwater hockey and American football. We applied content analysis based on thematic coding and revealed 4 themes: 1) “foggy” and “hazy” locker rooms, 2) knowing your place as a rookie, 3) interfering with bodily integrity, 4) “prospective” members on the threshold. We can say that within the masculine culture of sports, liminal athletes can make the teams by experiencing a masculinity that is often subordinated to hegemonic masculinities. In this process, liminal athletes harden because they have been crushed so much; and as they harden, they crush those coming from below. © 2024 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.