The power paradox : intimacy and masculinity in American football

This thesis examines how intimacy-both physical and emotional-in American football affects masculinity. This research is important because it questions the role of masculinity in a sport considered the most popular in terms of participation, attendance at games, and broadcast viewership (Miaschi, 2017). Theories such as hegemonic masculinity theory and inclusive masculinity theory are used to explain how masculinity is constructed through football. Using naturalistic observation, interviews with seven Michigan State University (MSU) football players, and an analysis of photographs, I found these football players have more intimate relationships with other players on their team when compared to relationships they have with other men outside their sport. Some surprises I found during interviews was that injury during football is not treated as harshly as it once was and one player views being emotional as an important part of being a man. I visually present the intimate aspects of football I witnessed in photographs I created as an employee of Big Ten Network during MSU football games during the 2017 and 2018 seasons, and I offer my analysis of intimacy and masculinity in this sport that includes and explains the meaning behind the power paradox.