| The purpose of this research was to identify the socialization process, using the social learning paradigm developed by Kenyon and McPherson (1973), in which personal attributes, significant others, and socializing situations work together in the development of a sporting role. This study was concerned with the introduction into wheelchair basketball and did not consider the attitudes, beliefs, or values one obtains in participation in a sport. The information was obtained from 11 women who were members of the national wheelchair basketball team. Relationships were developed from the researcher's insider role in the sport and their experiences were gathered through a qualitative semi-structured interview.;While the study specifically found Kenyon and McPherson's (1973) socialization framework as a useful approach, themes of stereotypes and stigma, and awareness and education leading to the growth of the game were underlying themes throughout the interviews. Findings were consistent with research that considered the socialization framework and named family, school, peer group, and community (Hopper, 1982; Hedrick, 1979; Volger & Schwartz, 1993) as important socialization agents and agencies in the lives of persons with disabilities. This research notes the importance in the coexistence of attributes, agents, and agencies. It was noted that the women had more than one 'most' influential attribute, agent, or agency in their introduction. Although all athletes mentioned onset of disability as significant, those of lower classifications gave situations and examples as to how their low classification limited their participation and could cause frustrations for a person with a severe disability. The changing of roles within one sport (e.g. basketball) or the need to be resocialized into another sport (Bryant & McElroy, 1997; Kenyon & McPherson, 1973) was consistent throughout those with acquired disabilities.;Practically, the study encourages practitioners to expand their thoughts on disability and see disability as an opportunity to encounter a new beginning through sport. This study allows administrators, coaches, and other entities of wheelchair basketball to closely consider the active agents and agencies in their recruitment of athletes for the sport. Additionally, the study noted a need to pass along valuable information about wheelchair basketball. |
