Family

Often overlooked in sport studies is the role that sport can play in strengthening or weakening the family unit. SLQ research, however, has recognized the importance of better understanding the dynamic between sport and family life. Most notable is the extensive SLQ research on the interaction between work and family in the sport industry, examining both the conflict and enrichment found in this area. SLQ research has also been very active in advancing knowledge regarding the role parents have in socializing children into sport, overall family physical activity participation, and the impact youth sports can have on the family unit.

Undoubtedly, this branch of SLQ research has and will continue to recommend ways in which sport can strengthen the family unit and in turn promote the life quality of all those involved with sport.

Publications

• Dixon, M.A. (2009).  From their perspective: A qualitative examination of physical activity and sport for working mothers.  Sport Management Review, 12, 34-48.
• Dixon, M.A., Warner, S., & Bruening, J. (2008). More than just letting them play: The enduring impact of parental socialization in sport for females.  Sociology of Sport Journal, 25, 538-559.
• Bruening, J., & Dixon, M.A. (2008). Situating work-family negotiations within a life course perspective: Insights on the gendered experiences of NCAA Division I head coaching mothers. Sex Roles, 58, 10-23.
• Bruening, J., & Dixon, M.A. (2007). Work-family conflict in coaching II: Managing role conflict. Journal of Sport Management, 21, 471-496.
• Dixon, M.A., & Sagas, M. (2007). The relationship between organizational support, work-family conflict, and the job-life satisfaction of university coaches.  Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 78, 236-247.
• Dixon, M.A., & Bruening, J. (2007).  Work-family conflict in coaching I: A top-down perspective. Journal of Sport Management, 21, 377-406.
• Dixon, M.A., & Bruening, J. (2006).  Retaining quality workers: A case study of work-family conflict.  Sport Management Review, 9, 92-103.
• Dixon, M.A., Bruening, J., Mazerolle, S., Davis, A., Crowder, J., & Lorsback, M. (2006). Career, family, or both? A case study of young professional baseball players. Nine: Journal of Baseball, 14, 81-101.
• Dixon, M.A., & Bruening, J. (2005).  Perspectives on work-family conflict: A review and integrative approach. Sport Management Review, 8, 227-254.