Mum works non-stop dad talks non-stop: Reproducing gender-based fathering and mothering in youth sport

Abstract

This study examines mothering and fathering in youth sport through a sociological and feminist lens, critiquing unequal duties and loads shaped by gender ideology. Using a social constructionist qualitative approach, we conduct semi-structured interviews with seven mothers, eight fathers, eight players (three girls, five boys), and three coaches. To strengthen the data, we utilize non-participant observation in the stands. Reflexive thematic analysis reveals three main themes: (i) multifaceted mother-loads: laundering, cooking, driving and more; (ii) fathers whose word, voice, mind, and body cross (side)line; and (iii) toward new fatherhood: actor children, support-unit dads. The findings show that the ideology of intensive mothering is highly prevalent in youth sports, with mothers relentlessly striving to support their children's athletic pursuits while bearing multiple loads. We also observe that fathers culturally maintain and reinforce authoritarian norms, engaging through performance-driven coaching tendencies and verbal/physical aggression in the stands. However, concrete alternative fatherhood practices—such as emotional bonding, valuing effort over results, and sharing domestic labour—demonstrate possibilities for change. Consequently, our research underscores the vital yet often overlooked importance of examining mothering and fathering collectively. By providing a comparative analysis of maternal and paternal practices in the lives of young athletes, this study offers an original and detailed contribution, addressing a significant gap in the sociology of sport.