A review of sexual harassment in sport literature and its implications for Japanese research studies

Kimie Kumayasu(Osaka Women's University), Takako Iida (Tezukayama Gakuin University),
Keiko Itani(Kyoto University of Education), Ayako Ota(Musashigaoka College),
Osamu Takamine(Chukyo University), Yasuo Yoshikawa(Tezukayama Gakuin University)

Abstract

　　There are few Japanese research studies on sexual harassment in sport although recently such incidents have been reported in Japan. In comparison, research on this theme has grown steadily since the mid-1980s in several countries. This paper presents a perspective on and some issues relating to sexual harassment research in sport through a review of studies completed mainly since the 1990s.
　　To date, the research has been conducted mainly on the relationship between　males and females or coaches and athletes or students. Certain aspects of the experiences and conceptions of sexual harassment in sport have been clarified, and there are also a few useful qualitative studies on risk factors and consequences. Some studies were conducted to create useful prevention measures against sexual harassment. However, there are areas that still require investigation and research.
　　As the published studies show, a gender perspective is essential in order to make visible the problems of sexual harassment in sport in Japan. Analyzing sexual harassment between males and females is important but it is also important to analyze it within same gender categories to further explain gender power relationship within sport.
　　To highlight the importance of this problem in Japan, research is required primarily to clarify the experiences and conceptions of sexual harassment in certain sport fields where violence and abuse often occur.
　　Theorization of sexual harassment in sport in Japan is also essential to develop urgently needed prevention strategies, systems for helping victims and education programs for coaches and athletes.
　　The management of power relations among researcher, research participants, and sporting organizations is another important issue. In Japan, further cooperation with support groups such as counselors or teachers will be needed to deal with these power management issues and to share data and ideas efficiently.

Keywords: sport, sexual harassment, research perspective, research issues


Journal of Sport and Gender Studies, 3: 26-41, 2005.