• DOI:10.1080/02732170902761974
• Corpus ID: 52023194

RUNNING OFF-TACKLE THROUGH THE LAST BASTION: WOMEN, RESISTANCE, AND PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL

@article{Packard2009RUNNINGOT,
  title={RUNNING OFF-TACKLE THROUGH THE LAST BASTION: WOMEN, RESISTANCE, AND PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL},
  author={Josh Packard},
  journal={Sociological Spectrum},
  year={2009},
  volume={29},
  pages={321 - 345}
}

• Josh Packard
• Published 20 March 2009
• Sociology
• Sociological Spectrum

This article discusses the mechanisms that must be in place in order for women to successfully resist institutionalized gender norms. This research draws on over 200 hours of observations of and 20 in-depth interviews with women playing full contact football, a sport traditionally dominated by men and firmly planted in the culture of the U.S. as synonymous with masculinity. Following the work of recent calls by gender scholars to treat gender as a social institution, this research shows that at least four components must be in place for sustained, successful resistance to a social institution. First, resistance must be a conscious activity. Second, any resistance must involve engaging in an abnormal activity. Third, any deviant or abnormal activity must take place in an otherwise legitimate social context. Finally, as the creation and maintenance of a social institution is an inherently social enterprise, so, too, is institutional resistance. This research contributes to scholarship on gender and social institutions by showing some strategies for increasing possibilities for personal expression.