Feminist consciousness, team identification and sports media use
An intersectional study of WNBA fans
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 6058719 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Stephen M Warren (0000-0002-2137-4461, Northeastern University), Carol Liebler, Carol M Liebler (Syracuse University) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Publication date | 2025-06-11 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Equal Opportunities International (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1758-7093 • E-ISSN: 2040-7149 |
| Publisher | Emerald (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1108/edi-04-2024-0180 |
| OpenAlex | W4411185913 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 39 |
Purpose This study contributes to the growing body of team identification research exploring women’s sports and women’s sports fans. It examines if the women's national basketball association (WNBA) fans’ adherence to feminist consciousness (FCS) ideals and/or their intersectional identities influence their team identification and viewing of WNBA basketball. Design/methodology/approach Using a cross-sectional survey, 346 respondents were asked a series of questions about their consciousness of, and connection to, various identities, including FCS, intersectional consciousness and WNBA team identification. They were also asked about the importance of their own social identities in their sense of self (Nario-Redmond et al ., 2004). Finally, respondents reported their average consumption of WNBA content for each day of the week. Findings Results showed that (1) adherence to FCS ideals and (2) the importance of one’s social identities were both positively related to team identification, which in turn was positively related to consuming WNBA media content. In addition, Black LGBTQ+ women reported the highest team identification and media consumption, while White men – across sexual orientation – reported the lowest team identification and media consumption. Originality/value This study furthers team identification research by analyzing women’s sport and how fans' diverse identities and consciousness of such influence their fandom. It suggests that while some leagues reinforce societal norms, others may counter them. Sport practitioners can take this into account when attempting to engage with fans of marginalized groups by more effectively tailoring promotional events to align with those groups’ values
Consciousness · Fandom · Media studies · Sociology · Gender Studies · Media, Gender, and Advertising · Psychology · Sport and Mega-Event Impacts · Sports, Gender, and Society
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| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |