The Experiences for People of Asian Descent in Professional Positions in American College Sport

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to understand the role that race and ethnicity plays in the experiences for people of Asian descent in professional positions in American college sport. Specifically, this study sought to understand (a) the reasons for the underrepresentation of people of Asian descent in professional positions, (b) the ways that race and racism play a role in the underrepresentation for people of Asian descent in professional positions, and (c) the strategies employed for obtaining and maintaining a professional position for people of Asian descent in American college sport. This basic interpretive qualitative research was conducted utilizing in-depth semi-structured interviews. The participants of the study consisted of six (N=6) professionals of Asian descent that are currently working or have worked in American college sport. Asian critical theory was utilized to guide and establish research questions, method, interpretation of findings, discussion, and conclusion.

Five themes emerged from the data:(a) Asian cultural value of education over sport/athletic participation (i.e., family influence and educational competitiveness in an Asian country); (b) incongruousness of the term ?Asians? with sport; (c) language barriers (i.e., lack of communication skills and limited network); (d) exclusion due to race-based view of foreigner; and (e) commonly accepted job practices (i.e., persistence and building a network). As an initial study on people of Asian descent in American college sport, the findings could benefit practitioners in American college sport to understand the current experiences for people of Asian descent face and educate people of Asian descent as to how they succeed in American college sport. In addition, this study would make a contribution to literature in the sport context by providing experiential knowledge of people of Asian descent in American college sport.