An examination of hockey: identity, gender construction, hegemonic masculinity, women's hockey, and Turkey

The purpose of this study was to examine hockey’s identity, how the game constructs identity, and how the increasing participation of females in hockey in Canada and Turkey is altering identity. Through qualitative research and personal experience it is revealed that in order for hockey and Turkey to modernize, a new male identity needs to emerge that views females as equals and not a threat to their constructed idea of masculinity. The sport of ice hockey is identified as being Canadian and Canadians identify themselves through hockey. Hockey has given Canadians an imagined community, which is built upon the successes of the men’s national hockey teams in international competition. Sports like hockey play an important role in forming gender identity. Hockey is recognized in popular culture as being violent and history reveals that violence has always been a part of hockey. However, the aggressive and physical nature of the sport is inherent and not only reserved for the male side of hockey. The dominating and aggressive behaviour portrayed in the media in men’s hockey is what is known as hegemonic masculinity. This hegemonic masculinity is also evident in Turkey’s patriarchal culture. Because of this patriarchal culture, women in Turkey are treated poorly with high reports of physical and mental abuse. Hockey is helping give women in Turkey confidence while also altering the traditional identity of femininity. In order for a new male identity to emerge, a new male gaze that recognizes that women are equal and can play hockey is required. This new male gaze is being formed already due to the shift in media coverage of women’s hockey and the participation of women in ice hockey. And from that new male gaze, there are already examples of this new male identity emerging, providing hope for continued growth