It's Just Not Safe’

Gender-Based Harassment and Toxicity Experiences of Women in Esports

Bibliographic Data

ID12804635
AuthorsHeather Crothers (Abertay University), Kenneth C Scott-Brown (Abertay University), Sheila J Cunningham (0000-0001-6380-4581, Abertay University, corresponding author)
Year2024
Volume21
Issue4
Pages746-764
Publication date2024-08-23
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueGames and Culture (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1555-4120 • E-ISSN: 1555-4139
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/15554120241273358
OpenAlexW4401825607
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited23

Women remain underrepresented across most roles in the esports industry, which has long been associated with gender-based harassment and toxicity. While research has tended to focus on the experiences of women in professional esports careers, the current study investigated the nature and impact of harassment and toxicity on amateur players. Through interviews with eight women experienced in esports participation, experiences and costs of gender-based exclusion were documented. Stereotyped roles were common, with women facing gender stereotypes of both ability and character appropriateness, as well as sexual objectification. The women reported resignation about systemic misogyny, juxtaposed with hope that specific industry-level changes could elicit improvements. While the women often avoided revealing their gender, there was a strong sense that visible role models and solidarity among the female community in esports can provide an effective protection against gender-based harassment, potentially combatting low rates of women participating in esports in the longer term

Amateur · Business · Gender diversity · Harassment · Objectification · Political science · Politics · Solidarity · Digital Games and Media · Gender, Feminism, and Media · Psychology · Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology · Social Psychology

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