Abstract
This study investigates the link between television sports exposure and Rape Myth Acceptance (RMA), analysing how Hostile Sexism, Benevolent Sexism, and Sexual Objectification of Women mediate this relationship. Watching sports is associated to higher RMA through all three mediators. The type of sports watched influences these effects: exposure to sports traditionally considered inappropriate for women (e.g. rugby, motorsports) show a mediation effect through Hostile Sexism only, while exposure to sports traditionally considered appropriate for women (e.g. gymnastics, swimming) show a mediation effect of both Hostile Sexism and Sexual Objectification. Gender differences also emerge, with men’s level of RMA being influenced exclusively by Hostile Sexism and women’s by Benevolent Sexism. These findings suggest that Sexual Objectification is not a universal outcome of sports exposure but is specifically tied to the type of sports media consumed, particularly those featuring women in traditionally appropriate sports. This highlights how sports media reinforce sexist attitudes and contribute to the normalisation of harmful beliefs about sexual violence. Addressing the portrayal of women in sports could help counteract these effects and promote a more equitable representation of sportswomen in media.
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
Sporting Cultures and Identities
KEYWORDS
Media exposure, Sports Exposure, Rape Myths Acceptance, Sexism, Sexual Objectification
