The theory I have chosen to relate to my study of the UNL Women's soccer team is cultural space. Martin and Nakayama define cultural space as the social and cultural spaces in which our identity forms. Generally this could include where we grew up and what places have had the most influence on our character. This could include our homes, our neighborhoods, our church, our school, and many other places that we have found our identity. Cultural spaces may also include our family and friends who influenced us.
I am choosing to discus the soccer field as the cultural space in my research. The cultural space within which athletes practice/play/meet is very defined and set aside. On the field is where the team grows together and engages in their "culture", so to speak. All players can identify the field as a place where they practice, improve, and work hard to be the best team possible. I'm sure they associate this cultural space with a various mixture of blood, sweat, and tears. They can also associate this cultural space with great victory and a lot of disappointment. This is a very defined space because when the players meet on the playing field it is a whole different atmosphere than if the players were to hang out at someone's house. At someone's house the players would act differently and do different activities than if they were meeting at the field to play soccer.
I have spoken to my friend about possible interview times and a few game times in which I will go to watch and observe the players. I think it would be very beneficial to go to a practice or two to see how the teamwork is behind the scenes. I plan to ask her how being an athlete has affected her life in all aspects. How is "practicing" the culture of athleticism different than practicing religion? How is it the same? I am interested to know how she views her culture in comparison and contrast with other cultures, and just how she views her culture in general. I am excited to start my research on this project!
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