| 1. |
- Johansson, Susanne
(author)
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‘Am I sexually abused?’ : Consent in a coach-athlete lesbian relationship
- 2018
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In: Sport, Education and Society. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1357-3322 .- 1470-1243. ; 3:4, s. 11-323
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Elite-athlete Karin was 17 years old when the considerably older team coach Selma became her girlfriend. Responding to calls to prevent harm and sexual abuse in sport, this study represents Karin’s story, investigates how she makes sense of her coach-athlete sexual relationship, and analyses what can be learnt about consent. Although sexual consent is often the defining criterion of sexual abuse, consent is rarely explicitly defined or its social implications examined. Moreover, there are no studies on coach-athlete lesbian or gay relationships despite sexual minority vulnerability. The interview with Karin was analysed using narrative case study methods; represented as a short story and discussed in reference to sexual consent theory. The analysis outlines contextual factors conditioning the negotiation of consent and problematizes heteronormative, gendered perpetrator and victim stereotypes. Secrecy, alienation, and isolation is recognised, extending into additional vulnerability inflicted on socially problematic and atypical coach-athlete relationships. In conclusion, social implications of consent are more complex than yes/no to sex or inherent incapability to consent. Consent is multi-layered, alternately absent and present; an ongoing process that includes compromises, contradictions, and (re)negotiations influenced by structure and agency. Further research examining a diversity of sexual experiences among majorities and minorities is proposed.
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| 2. |
- Johansson, Susanne
(author)
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Coach-Athlete Sexual Relationships : if no means no does yes mean yes?
- 2013
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In: Sport, Education and Society. - : Routledge. - 1357-3322 .- 1470-1243. ; 18:5, s. 678-693
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Coach-athlete romantic relationships and consensual sexual relations are commonly accepted among coaches and athletes, although a growing number of sport organisations discourage or prohibit such relationships. In research, coach-athlete sexual relationships are lumped together with sexual abuse, suggested to harm athletes’ well-being, performance, athletic career and team dynamics, and to inherently constitute an abuse of power, trust and ethics. In addition, mistrust of coaches’ motives, related to physical touch and fear of sexual misconduct, has resulted in a growing anxiety among coaches. This paper highlights and critically discusses research conceptualisations, contextual understandings and critical issues surrounding coach-athlete sexual relationships, on which there is no comprehensive research outside the sexual abuse context. Studies of authority-subordinate romantic relationships in other social settings have reported that such relationships facilitate both positive and negative characteristics and outcomes. To prevent and reduce harm and to promote well-being, functionality and safe practice in coach-athlete sexual and non-sexual relationships, I suggest that comprehensive research outside the sexual abuse context is required. In addition to the previous research focus on harmful and abusive relationships, coach-athlete sexual relationships that are experienced as consenting and mutually fulfilling by the involved parties need further examination.
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| 3. |
- Johansson, Susanne, et al.
(author)
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Coach-Athlete Sexual Relationships: Passionate about athletes and coaching is great, but love should be forbidden?
- 2015
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In: Proceedings of the 10th ICCE Global Coach Conference – Coach and Athlete Empowerment: A Winning Combination.
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- IntroductionCoach-athlete sexual relationships (CASR) tend to be sensitive, complex and problematic as they intersect professional and private spheres. Moreover, they are surrounded by ambiguous boundaries and taboos, and profoundly relates to the welfare, safety, sport performance, power, ethics, trust, sexual desire and love of coaches and athletes (Bringer et al., 2002; Johansson, 2013). In this paper we aim to highlight and critically discuss legal CASR by adopting a coach perspective.ArgumentationOverall, CASR is a neglected issue, constituting an ethical and emotional minefield that is rarely addressed openly (Johansson, 2013). In contrast, athlete and child protection have intensified as a response to resent high-profile cases of sexual abuse in sport (Brackenridge & Rhind, 2014; DSJ, 2012, IOC, 2007). In some sport organisations this implies prohibiting CASR for athlete protection purposes (cf. Brake & Burton Nelson, 2012; Safe4athletes, 2013). The current body of research focuses on the sexual abuse of athletes (e.g., DSJ, 2012; Toftegaard-Nielsen, 2001; Toftegaard-Støckel, 2010) and is often driven by theories of structural power and gender order (e.g., Brake, 2012; Kirby et al., 2000; Tomlinson & Yorganci, 1997). As a consequence, male coaches tends to be cast as potential perpetrators of SA in relation to subordinate female (or child) athlete victims (cf. Hartill, 2009; Johansson, 2013). Recent literature gives examples on how moral panic and fear of sexual abuse resulting in suspicion towards coaches can hamper coach motivation and coach-athlete interaction (e.g., Piper et al., 2012; Taylor et al., 2014). Drawing on literature into teacher-student and superior-employee sexual relationships (e.g., Sikes, 2006; Williams, 1999), we problematise dichotomous right/wrong edicts and discuss additional ways to understand CASR, gendered sexual agency, sexual consent, and coaches' power.ImplicationsOur discussion raises implications for further research and questions on how to prevent harmful, abusive and dysfunctional CASR without casting (male) coaches as perpetrators of sexual abuse. Our suggestions are: 1) Initiate comprehensive research exploring positive and negative characteristics and effects of legal CASR to expand the knowledge of CASR beyond the sexual abuse context. 2) Facilitate transparency, a climate of open discussion and coach education about CASR and related ethical dilemmas. 3) Develop, examine and carefully implement scientifically and ethically sound policy and codes of practice to prevent and manage harmful CASR and sexual abuse.ReferencesBrackenridge, C.H. & Rhind, D. (2014). Child Protection in Sport: Reflections on Thirty Years of Science and Activism. Social Sciences, 3, 326-340.Brake, D. (2012). Going outside title IX to keep coach-athlete relationships in bounds. Marquette Sports Law Review, 22, 394-425.Brake, D.L. & Burton-Nelson, M. (2012). Staying in bounds––An NCAA model policy to prevent inappropriate relationships between student-athletes and athletics department personnel. Kansas City: National Association of Collegiate Women Athletic Administrators.Bringer, J.D. Brackenridge, C.H. & Johnston, L.H. (2002). Defining appropriateness in coach-athlete sexual relationships: The voice of coaches. Journal of Sexual Aggression, 8(2), 83-98.Deutsche Sport Jugend, DSJ. (2012). Prevention of sexual and gender harassment and abuse in sports: Initiatives in Europe and beyond. Available at: http://www.dsj.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Bilder/Handlungsfelder/Europa/europ_PSG_Projekt_2012/Catalogue_Initiatives_in_Europe_and_beyond__2012_2.pdfHartill, M. (2009). The Sexual abuse of Boys in Organized Male Sports. Men and Masculinities, 2, 225-249.International Olympic Committee, IOC. (2007). Consensus statement on sexual harassment and abuse in sport. Available at: http://www.olympic.org/documents/reports/en/en_report_1125.pdfJohansson, S. (2013). Coach–athlete sexual relationships: if no means no does yes mean yes? Sport, Education and Society, 18, 678-693.Kirby, S., Greaves, L. & Hankivsky, O. (2000). The dome of silence. Sexual harassment and abuse in sport. Halifax: Fernwood Publishing.Piper, H. Taylor, B. & Garratt, D. (2012). Sports coaching in risk society: No touch! No trust! Sport, Education and Society, 17, 331-345.Safe4Athltetes. (2013). Handbook. Available at: http://safe4athletes.org/component/k2/item/31-safe4athletes-handbookSikes, P. (2006). Scandalous stories and dangerous liaisons: when female pupils and male teachers fall in love. Sex Education: Sexuality, Society and Learning, 6, 265-280.Taylor, W.G. Piper, H. & Garratt, D. (2014). Sports coaches as 'dangerous individuals'—practice as governmentality. Sport, Education and Society, Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13573322.2014.899492.Toftegaard Nielsen, J. (2001). The Forbidden Zone. Intimacy, Sexual Relations and Misconduct in the Relationship between Coaches and Athletes. International Review for the Sociology of Sport, 36, 165-182.Toftegaard Støckel, J. (2010). Athlete perceptions and experiences of sexual abuse in intimate coach-athlete relationships. In Brackenridge, C.H. & Rhind, D. (eds.). Elite Child Athlete Welfare: International perspectives. London: Brunel University Press.Tomlinson, A. & Yorganci, I. (1997). Male coach/female athlete relations: Gender and power relations in competitive sport. Journal of Sport and Social Issues, 21, 134-155.Williams, C.L. Giuffre, P.A. & Dellinger, K. (1999). Sexuality in the workplace: Organizational control, sexual harassment, and the pursuit of pleasure. Annual Review of Sociology, 25(1), 73-93.
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| 4. |
- Johansson, Susanne, et al.
(author)
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Desires and taboos : Sexual relationships between coaches and athletes
- 2016
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In: International journal of sports science & coaching. - Stockholm : SAGE Publications. - 1747-9541 .- 2048-397X. ; 11:4, s. 589-598
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Coach–athlete sexual relationships constitute ethical, behavioral, social, and emotional quandaries that are rarely addressed openly. Most of the current body of research in this area focuses on coaches’ sexual harassment and abuse of children and female athletes. In the present article, we discuss legal coach–athlete sexual relationships and adopt a coach perspective. As dual relationships, coach–athlete sexual relationships blur the boundaries between professional roles circumscribed (usually) by ethical codes of conduct and private spheres of love and desire. We explore the problems associated with the limitations of dichotomous right/wrong ethical decision making and discuss additional ways to understand these relationships, accounting for coaches’ and athletes’ well-being, performance, gendered sexual agency, power, ethical dilemmas, sport policy, and legal implications. Our discussion raises questions about how to open up dialogue and transparency regarding coach–athlete sexual relationships and how to facilitate functional, healthy coach–athlete relationships. Finally, we provide implications for future research that include legal and consensual coach–athlete sexual relationships and advocate transparency, open discussion, and coach education about coach–athlete sexual relationship dilemmas.
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| 5. |
- Johansson, Susanne, 1978-
(author)
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Från policy till praktik : mot sexuella övergrepp inom idrotten
- 2021
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Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Sexuella övergrepp inkluderar alla ovälkomna, kränkande sexuella handlingar, antingen utan samtycke eller med manipulerat samtycke. Sexuella övergrepp är förtroendebrott som strider mot barns och mänskliga rättigheter, liksom mot idrottsrörelsens etik och värdegrund. Utöver sin värdegrund har Riksidrottsförbundet en formulerad policy mot sexuella övergrepp. Policys betyder dock ingenting om de inte tillämpas. I nyhetsmedier, sociala medier och dokumentärer har sexuella övergrepp mot barn inom idrotten uppmärksammats på senare år. I ljuset av metoo och enligt forskningen på området framträder dock sådana vittnesmål som toppen av ett isberg. I forskningen skildras också en historia av förnekelse och försummelse av sexuella övergrepp mot barn inom idrotten, vilket går hand i hand med en djupt rotad tystnadskultur.Den här studien inkluderar idrottens tio största specialidrottsförbund (SF) inom barn- och ungdomsidrotten: fotboll, innebandy, ridsport, simidrott, gymnastik, tennis, ishockey, handboll, basket och friidrott. Tillsammans omfattar dessa SF över 80 procent av barn- och ungdomsverksamheten i svensk idrottsrörelse. Syftet med studien är att undersöka vilka åtgärder dessa SF har vidtagit mot sexuella övergrepp. Trygg idrott och sexuella övergrepp kopplas ihop med relaterade gråzoner som tenderar att komplicera åtgärder. Studien baseras i huvudsak på intervjuer med 18 SF-representanter. Den inkluderar även en genomgång av webbplatserna för respektive SF och en analys av styrdokument på området.Resultaten visar att idrottens största SF har vidtagit få eller inga åtgärder som explicit adresserar sexuella övergrepp mot barn och ungdomar inom idrotten. Trygg idrott i bredare bemärkelse är ett ganska nytt fokus- och arbetsområde, där SF kommit olika långt vad gäller åtgärder. Några SF har ett pågående arbete sedan flera år tillbaka, andra planerar sina första initiativ på området just nu. Även på informationskanaler som webbplatser, och i underlag som styrdokument, är sexuella övergrepp mestadels osynligt. Det gäller i än större utsträckning de gråzoner som omgärdar sexuella övergrepp.Anledningen till att både preventiva och reaktiva åtgärder på området är begränsade är inte att det saknas avståndstagande eller ställningstagande mot sexuella övergrepp mot barn – tvärtom, i alla SF uttrycks det unisont att det är fullkomligt oacceptabelt. Snarare handlar det om ett antal utmaningar som står i vägen för en tillämpning som speglar policyn. I studien beskrivs dessa utmaningar närmare, men också vilka motiv som finns bakom viljan att utveckla åtgärder och skapa en tryggare idrott.I studien dras slutsatsen att det finns motsättningar mellan att synliggöra respektive osynliggöra sexuella övergrepp. Det är inte uteslutande en problemlösning att uppmärksamma sexuella övergrepp i dagsläget, utan det riskerar samtidigt att orsaka problem. Det kan skapa en känsla av otrygghet snarare än trygghet. Kontentan blir att tystnadskulturen inom idrotten i dagsläget lönar sig, liksom det gör i samhället i stort. För att staka ut en väg framåt trots dessa motsättningar och utmaningar formuleras avslutningsvis ett antal rekommendationer till idrottsrörelsen.
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| 6. |
- Johansson, Susanne, 1978-
(author)
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Problemet större och mer komplext än enstaka rötägg och pedofiler
- 2021
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In: Idrottsforskning.se. - Stockholm : Centrum för idrottsforskning, CIF. - 2002-3944.
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Journal article (pop. science, debate, etc.)abstract
- Den dominerande bilden av sexuella övergrepp inom idrotten idag är snedvriden och därmed kontraproduktiv för att skapa systematisk förändring. Med en tydligare, evidensbaserad problembild skapas bättre förutsättningar att utveckla effektiva proaktiva och reaktiva åtgärder, och i sin tur en tryggare idrott, skriver Susanne Johansson, GIH.
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| 7. |
- Johansson, Susanne, 1978-, et al.
(author)
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Sexual harassment and abuse in coach–athlete relationships in Sweden
- 2017
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In: European Journal for Sport and Society. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1613-8171 .- 2380-5919. ; 14:2, s. 117-137
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Sexual harassment and abuse (SHA) can have a profound negative impact, but research on SHA in sport is scarce and studies of SHA in Swedish sport are absent. This study explores (a) self-reported prevalence of SHA perpetrated by coaches among male and female Swedish athletes, and (b) descriptive statistics for coach–athlete relationship factors and the association between these relationship factors and reported SHA. Current and former Swedish club sport athletes (n = 477) aged 25 participated in the survey. Athletes reported 5.5% prevalence of coach SHA, of which inappropriate, unpleasant, or offensive physical contact were most common. No significant differences of SHA frequency were displayed across gender, sport performance levels, or individual/team sports. A majority of athletes (55–95%) reported trust, closeness, substantial coach influence over sport performance, and instructional physical contact as main coach–athlete relationship factors. A minority (13–39%) reported dependency, substantial coach influence over personal-life, non-instructional physical contact, sexualized comments and jokes, and flirting. Prevalence of coach–athlete friendships, athlete attraction to coaches, and coaches’ instructional physical contact differed significantly between male and female athletes. Closeness and athlete attraction to coaches were negatively related, and coaches’ non-instructional physical contact and flirting were positively related to reported SHA. Multi-causality and ambiguity of coach–athlete relationship factors are discussed.
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| 8. |
- Johansson, Susanne
(author)
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Sexual Relationships between Athletes and Coaches : Love, Sexual Consent, and Abuse
- 2017
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Coach-athlete sexual relationships (CASR) and sexual harassment and abuse (SHA) in sport can profoundly impact athletes’ welfare and performance. Yet, it is often ignored due to sensitivity, secrecy, and lack of knowledge. There is no previous research on SHA in sport in Sweden, and legal, consensual, same-sex CASR is under-researched. The overall purpose of this doctoral thesis is to examine CASR in competitive sport in Sweden. More specifically: a) athletes’ experiences of CASR; b) prevalence of SHA in coach-athlete relationships; c) conceptual and theoretical issues to broaden the understanding of CASR and SHA, will be examined.Survey methodology is employed in Article I to explore the prevalence of SHA, coach-athlete relationship factors, and association between relationship factors and SHA. A random sample of current and former male and female Swedish athletes (n=477) aged 25 participated. Article II outlines critical issues of CASR, and theories and conceptualisations of romantic love, sexual consent, and female athlete sexual agency is further developed in the thesis research summary. Drawing on interviews with five female elite athletes aged 23-30, experiences of CASR are analysed in-depth using discourse analyses in Article III and narrative case study design in Article IV.Results show that athletes’ experiences of CASR are positively and negatively diverse but potentially problematic because boundary ambiguity, secrecy, and isolation are common. Social and ethical dilemmas may also occur because CASR intersect contrasting discourses regarding elite sport, coach–athlete relationships, and romantic love. Moreover, CASR integrate professional and private contexts in which equality and power deviate. The research illustrates empirically and theoretically how female elite athletes exercise agency and recognise consensual, mutually desired CASR where romantic love is priority. However, sexual consent can be ambivalent rather than a mutually exclusive yes/no dualism. Socially, consent is a process of negotiation informed by contextual factors, sexual agency, and social structure. In addition, 5.5% prevalence of SHA perpetrated by male coaches is reported, distributed throughout the sampled athletes’ gender, age, sport performance levels, and individual/team sports in the sample.In conclusion, this thesis expands knowledge of athletes’ experiences of love, sexual consent, and abuse in CASR. Previous evidence of SHA in sport is confirmed to include sport in Sweden. Implications for sport and sport sciences are offered.
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| 9. |
- Johansson, Susanne, 1978-
(author)
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“Sports don't last a lifetime, but I want to live with him forever” : Functions and Dysfunctions of Sexual Relationships between Female Elite-Athletes and Coaches
- 2015
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- IntroductionCoach-athlete sexual relationships (CASR) have been suggested to harm athlete welfare, sport performance, and to inherently constitute an abuse of power, trust and professional ethics by coaches (e.g. Brake & Burton Nelson, 2012; Toftegaard-Nielsen, 2001). However, very little is known about CASR, especially consensual romantic relationships between athletes and coaches of legal age (Johansson, 2013). The purpose with this research is to explore female elite-athletes' stories of CASR, emphasizing functional and dysfunctional aspects associated to athlete wellbeing and sport performance.MethodsIn-depth interviews included five female elite-athletes aged 23-30 with experience of CASR, i.e., boyfriend/girlfriend relationships and unattached sexual relations. Readings of interview transcripts and coding into functional and dysfunctional themes were conducted to generate the stories. Storying the athletes’ experiences thus served to contextualise functions and dysfunctions on a within-case basis.ResultsThe athlete’s stories yield insights of qualitatively different functions and dysfunctions of CASR. Functional elements include specific components such as care, trust, sense of value and security, and a unique support and understanding. These elements were described to have a positive effect on the athletes’ wellbeing and performance. Dysfunctional elements found in the athletes’ stories comprised e.g., a need for secrecy in fear of negative reactions causing unhealthy restraints, career disruption due to break-ups and dependency tied to the partner/coach synthesis.DiscussionThe diversity of functions and dysfunctions of CASR addressed in this study dispute the assumptions and normative notions that CASR are inherently harmful and abusive. The stories illustrate that female athletes can recognise consensual, mutually desired CASR. Importantly, functions and dysfunctions are not necessarily distinct, uniform or constant, but can transform and differ before, during and after the sexual relationship. This study emphasise the need to further examine how CASR can affect athlete wellbeing and sport performance in both functional and dysfunctional senses.ReferencesBrake D, Burton Nelson M (2012). Staying in bounds. Kansas City: National Association of Collegiate Women Athletic Administrators.Johansson S (2013). Coach–athlete sexual relationships: if no means no does yes mean yes? Sport, Education and Society, 18, 678-693.Toftegaard Nielsen J (2001). The Forbidden Zone. Intimacy, Sexual Relations and Misconduct in the Relationship between Coaches and Athletes. International Review for the Sociology of Sport, 36, 165-182.
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