Exploring the Notion of Individual Social Responsibility (ISR) among Black Male College Football Athletes

Abstract

Black male athletes are prominent figures in sport and society; and, as such, they are often subjected to the pressure of acting in a socially responsible manner. Given the predominance of Black males in American college athletics, it is important to examine their roles in society both on and off the field of play. Building upon of Agyemang and Singer’s (2013) study on the individual social responsibility (ISR) of Black male professional athletes, the purpose of this study was to explore the concept of ISR among Black male college athletes. In this study, we engaged in semi-structured interviews with Black male football athletes in efforts to garner a baseline understanding of how they perceive their social responsibility as notable members of society. Initial findings suggest notions of being a role model, engaging in ethical behavior, and overcoming marginalization, mainly in regard to issues of race. Implications for future research are discussed.