Status : Verified
| Personal Name | Garcia, Paul Andrei C. |
|---|---|
| Resource Title | Eh Sports? : a thematic analysis on the perception of UAAP Men's Basketball student-athletes on collegiate esports athletes |
| Date Issued | June 2025 |
| Abstract | As esports continues to gain international and institutional momentum, its legitimacy remains debated, especially within traditional athletic spaces. This qualitative research explores the perception of male basketball UAAP student-athletes toward esports and its athletes. The most privileged and visible group in the collegiate athletic community was represented by the selected participants, comprising six of them who were interviewed using a semi-structured approach. Thematic analysis identified five primary themes: (Re)Defining Sports, Legitimizing Esports as a Sport, Stereotypes and Misconceptions of Esports Athletes, Recognizing and Respecting Esports: Institutional and Societal Support, and Visions for the Future of Esports. Results indicate that although participants initially perceived esports as less legitimate because of the absence of physical exertion, most recognized the strategic, cognitive, and skill-based demands of the activity. Notably, those with personal experience playing esports games showed more respect and sympathy toward esports competitors. The research finds that direct exposure heavily affects attitudes, and the views of traditional athletes carry significant influence on whether esports is included in cultural and institutional collegiate athletics. These results are worth considering for policy-making bodies, universities, and organizations such as the UAAP as they contemplate the eventual inclusion of esports in mainstream athletic programs. |
| Degree Course | Bachelor of Sports Science |
| Language | English; Filipino |
| Keyword | esports; UAAP; perception; thematic analysis; legitimacy |
| Material Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
Preliminary Pages
2.43 Mb
Category : F - Regular work, i.e., it has no patentable invention or creation, the author does not wish for personal publication, there is no confidential information.
Access Permission : Open Access