JOURNAL ARTICLE

'We now have Catholics and Blacks': Whiteness in a Northern Irish rugby club.

  • Published In: International Review for the Sociology of Sport, 2023, v. 58, n. 3. P. 491 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Kavanagh, Thomas 3 of 3

Abstract

This article examines how whiteness, racism, and sectarianism intersect within Northern Irish society through an ethnographic study of Ballycross RFC, a predominantly white, Protestant rugby club. It highlights how sectarian divisions between Catholics and Protestants shape social interactions, yet these boundaries are temporarily set aside when members unite around a shared white identity to exclude ethnic minorities. The research reveals that racist discourses and humor are normalized within the club, often marginalizing non-white and ethnic minority individuals, while white migrants from Western countries are more readily accepted. The study underscores the need for sports organizations in Northern Ireland, including Ulster Rugby, to critically address whiteness and racism, and to foster more inclusive environments for ethnic minority communities.

Additional Information

  • Source:International Review for the Sociology of Sport. 2023/05, Vol. 58, Issue 3, p491
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Religion and Philosophy
  • Publication Date:2023
  • ISSN:1012-6902
  • DOI:10.1177/10126902221112776
  • Accession Number:162669983
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of International Review for the Sociology of Sport is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Looking to go deeper into this topic? Look for more articles on EBSCOhost.