Social Science of Acceptance and Recognition: The Counter Narratives Faced by Athletes and Educators in Revealing Autonomy, Collaboration, and Shared Decision Making

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Kenneth R. Austin  

This study discusses a dichotomy of issues and the counter narratives of empowerment and dependency; freedom and restrictions; faith and distrust; plus, creativity and learned helplessness in the field of athletics and an interdisciplinary teacher preparation program. Specifically, to what extent can a young student athlete or a pre-service teacher be influenced (or allowed to be influenced) by a coach, professor, or peers? What is the social science of one’s need for acceptance and recognition from others in a field designed to not only reveal autonomy, but collaboration and shared decision making? And, to what extent is an individual's identity linked to social relations? This study is based primarily on not only personal experiences as a high school and college level athlete, but from twenty-six years as a secondary educator and professor in higher education.