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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Racial stacking et stéreotypes raciaux en sport collectif : le cas particulier du basket-ball en contexte français

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This doctoral research investigates how categorization and stereotypes are conveyed when it comes to ethnic discrimination in basket-ball. The first study (racial stacking which was performed in the Pro National Basket-ball League A in France) shows that white players are more likely to be over-represented when it comes to the position of point guard considered as central in regard to the performance. The available evidence produced by the second phase of the research highlights the existence of categorization (racial stacking), of stereotypes (which conveys the belief that some people possess certain genetic and ethnic traits) and of biased discourse (more favorable implication in the discourse for a white player than for a black player). This second phase focuses on three experiments involving athlete and non-athlete subjects as coaches in an experimental context. Unexpectedly, the subjects belonging to the sport community are more prone to engage in racial stereotypes than their non-athlete counterparts. In a third phase, the study on the concept of centrality in basket-ball highlights the fact that the positions of point guards and shooting guards (outside) are considered more central than the positions of power forwards and centers(inside). It is also considered that small forwards are polyvalent (central and non-central). In a fourth phase we point out that bias of categorization and stereotyping can be set off in a virtual environment in which players have equivalent capacities (in a video game). The effects of discrimination (in-group favoritism) are intensified by the successful result of the match. In a fifth phase, after examining the relationships between white and black players and though the data seem to present a positive discrimination towards the black players, the results show an exaggerated preferential treatment towards the white players (overvaluation, In-group favoritism) who are considered more predominant within their team than black players. Finally, in the last phase which aimed at testing the effects of stereotype threat over performance (motor aspect) and discourse (cognitive aspect) the results show no evidence of stereotype threat. Evaluation leads to enhanced performance among black players whereas it presents no effect on white players. In addition, black players report stereotyping as a boost whereas it is considered an obstacle among white players. In conclusion, this doctoral research shows the importance of a comprehensive examination in order to deepen the knowledge of the phenomenon of racial discrimination in sport