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International Review for the Sociology of Sport
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Homosociability and Homosexuality

The Case of Soccer Played by Women

Christine Mennesson

Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse III, France, menesson{at}cict.fr

Jean-Paul Clément

Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse III, France, clement{at}cict.fr

This article analyses the biographical and contextual elements favouring the involvement of female athletes playing high-level team sports in homosexual practices, a recurring issue in the sporting arena. The study takes place in the world of soccer, archetype in France — along with rugby— of a male-oriented, homophobic sociability that is unfavourable to feminization of the sport. Based on in-depth interviews and on a long observation period, this study contributes to the current scientific debate regarding the construction of identity, notably gender identity. It focuses in particular on Becker and Goffman's work on the process of normative construction. We first point out the role of female-team homosociability in the acquisition of knowledge that facilitates involvement in homosexual practices. Next, we discuss the biographical life routes — either circumstantial or relatively permanent — that tend to favour homosexuality.

Key Words: homosexuality • soccer • sociability • women

International Review for the Sociology of Sport, Vol. 38, No. 3, 311-330 (2003)
DOI: 10.1177/10126902030383004
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