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Stigma Management Through Participation in Sport and Physical Activity: Experiences of Male College Students with Physical Disabilities

Department of Sociology, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Carbondale, Illinois 62901.

Elaine M. Blinde

Department of Physical Education, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Carbondale, Illinois 62901.

Kimberly R. Greer

Department of Sociology and Corrections, Mankato State University, Mankato, Minnesota 56002.

Individuals with physical disabilities are often stigmatized because their bodies are assumed to vary from norms of physical competence and bodily appearance. Possession of a discrediting attribute may impair social interactions and result in the devaluation of an individual. The purpose of this paper is to explore how involvement in sport and physical activity may be one strategy to manage the stigma of a disabled body. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 24 male college students with physical disabilities. Findings indicate that respondents believe this context helps them exceed expectations associated with their disability through demonstration of physical skill, a fit healthy body, a muscular body, and a liberated body. Sport and physical activity may be effective in compensating for a spoiled identity as participation in this setting is unexpected and emphasizes an alternative representation of a disabled body.

Key Words: physical disability • stigma • sport and physical activity

Human Relations, Vol. 52, No. 11, 1469-1484 (1999)
DOI: 10.1177/001872679905201106


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