Abstract

The topic of different sexual orientations in (professional) sports still remains under-represented in research. Homophobia and related behaviours of discrimination are prevalent challenges in the field of sports and sports clubs. Especially rural regions are often considered to be more traditional regarding sex-role-attitudes which should result in more homophobic attitudes. Economically, tendencies of intolerance in a social community are increasingly cause of problems. This can lead to negative effects on whole regions and societal structures in the long run. In the current study, the authors investigated if homophobic perceptions are amplified when individuals with a rural socialization background are questioned. A larger sample of students (n=789) was questioned about the meaning of sports clubs for physical activities, corresponding values and sets of attitudes. Results show higher rates of club-membership for individuals of a rural socialization background. However, no indicators for differences in the perception of sexual orientations were obtained. Findings rather appear as a stereotyped view on rural regions in sense of an outgroup bias. Nevertheless, data reveal that sports clubs in rural regions pass up a chance of promoting tolerance regarding different sexual orientations. Verf.-Referat