An Exploratory Study of the Relationships Between Televised Sports Viewing Habits and Conformity to Masculine Norms

In this exploratory study the relationships between televised sports viewing habits and conformity to masculine norms were examined through a single panel survey. The amount and types of sports programming an individual watches in a usual week were assessed, along with attitudes about masculinity as measured by the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory. A group of 183 U.S. college students completed the survey. Findings indicated that there are significant correlations between televised sports viewing habits and conformity to masculine norms, and more violent sports (such as “Ultimate Fighting Championships”) tend to be associated with a greater number of norms connected to Hegemonic Masculinity.