It’s Just a Kid’s Game: An Ethnographic Approach Examining the Intersection of Societal, Social, and Cultural Elements of The Midwestern Kickball League © 2019 Peyton J Stensland MSE, University of Kansas, 2016 BA Wartburg College, 2014 Submitted to the graduate degree program in Health, Sport and Exercise Sciences- Sport Management and the Graduate Faculty of the University of Kansas in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy _____________________________ Dr. Jordan Bass, Chair _____________________________ Dr. Brian Gordon _____________________________ Dr. Susan Harvey _____________________________ Dr. Ashley Herda _____________________________ Dr. Heidi Hallman _____________________________ Dr. Kelli Thomas ii Date of Defense: 6 May 2019 The dissertation committee for Peyton J Stensland certifies that this is the approved version of the following dissertation: It’s Just a Kid’s Game: An Ethnographic Approach Examining the Intersection of Societal, Social, and Cultural Elements of The Midwestern Kickball League _____________________________ Dr. Jordan Bass, Chair iii ABSTRACT For this dissertation, I conducted an interpretive ethnography of the Midwestern Kickball League (a pseudonym). The ethnography was grounded in a circuit of culture framework, and I immersed myself within the culture of the Midwestern Kickball League for the 2018 season where I attended practices, games, podcasts, charity events, social events, Game of the Weeks, and after parties. I became a participant (as) observer within the league and utilized ethnographic methods such as observations, informal and formal interviews, participant journals, a researcher diary, and material/digital products. I employed a circuit of culture model as a guide to understanding the fluid process of culture within the Midwestern Kickball League. Specifically, I analyzed culture through the production, representation, and consumption of cultural product throughout the league. I also implemented a multi-level (societal/community, organizational, and individual) examination of culture based in various academic research paradigms. A theoretical framework was formulated from literature on organizational culture, identity theory, social identity theory, sense of community, social capital, and sport participant motivation. The results are conveyed in the form of an interpretive ethnography, where I was able to provide personal accounts that contributed to the understanding of the Midwestern Kickball League context. In all, I used the six chapters that follow to provide an in-depth exploration of a captivating and complex cultural setting. iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS For me, the relationships I have formed with faculty, staff, and fellow students during my graduate studies are irreplaceable. These individuals are the reason I was able to not only complete this dissertation but positively grow as a human being I hope in the days, months, and years to come, I can find a way to reciprocate what you gave to me. To Dr.. Jordan Bass, you are one of the main reasons I’m successfully completing this degree. You took a chance on a girl who was lost and helped her find her passion. You gave me confidence when I was uncertain, advice when I needed direction, and companionship when I felt alone. You helped me believe in myself, which we both know is the majority of my battle. As I move on and start my new journey, I will forever be thankful for your mentorship and friendship. To Dr. Brian Gordon, I honestly considered dropping out after your initial seminar. It was the first time I’d ever truly been challenged in the graduate program, and to be honest your constructive criticism was very disheartening. However, through a one-on-one conversation we had in your office, I realized the criticism was because you cared and wanted to help me improve. Since then, you’ve challenged me in ways I couldn’t have imagined, and you’ve made me a better writer, better instructor, and better person. At some point I’ll repay you by finishing the alumni manuscript. To my committee members, Dr. Susan Harvey, Dr. Ashley Herda, Dr. Heidi Hallman, and Dr. Kelli Thomas, you have each provided me guidance that has contributed to my academic and professional career. To Dr. Harvey, your encouragement throughout the dissertation process was uplifting and timely. In particular, the brief conversation we had last summer while you were walking your child on Mass meant more than you probably know. To Dr. Herda, although v the dissertation topic is outside your normal realm of study, I appreciate the insight you have been able to provide. Your quantitative perspective and comments helped me address potential limitations and provided me with future research ideas. To Dr. Hallman, your positivity and insight into qualitative research was valuable. The suggestion of journaling allowed me to gain more honest feedback from my participants. To Dr. Thomas, thank you for bringing your infectious personality to my dissertation study You lighten up the room and helped make the entire process less intimidating. To Dr. Bernie Kish, your genuine caring nature is something I admire. You truly put the students first, and that is shown in all aspects of your life. Over the years you’ve taught me so many wonderful things I will bring with me as I leave KU. I can only hope to someday be half the professor and person you are. To Dr. Aaron Clopton, thank you for taking me on as a student five years ago. I’ve enjoyed your wisdom and sense of humor, and I appreciate all our conversations we’ve had ranging from sociology to softball. To Teresa, thank you. There aren’t enough words to describe the ways you have helped me throughout my graduate career. You were the one willing to drop everything and help me regardless of what you had going on. I’m going to miss our talks, laughs, and frustration rants Most of all, I’m just going to miss you. To Claire, you provided a foundation for this program because of all of your hard work and dedication. We all joke amongst ourselves that 80% of what we do stems from you. From syllabi, to textbooks, to class registration, you gave us all a road map which helped us through this long and grueling process. Your legacy will always remain at KU, and the infamous Claire will live on. vi To Zach, I could not have picked a better person to go through the doctoral program with. We’ve been on a roller-coaster since the beginning, and I’m glad you were there for all the ups and downs. You’ve been my friend, research partner, and sounding board. Despite everything you have done for me and the friendship we gained, I think your comma usage (or lack there of) is what I’m going to miss the most. To Farah, Loyal Forever True. I’m still not sure how two people with the love for Iowa State, ended up in the same doctoral program at the University of Kansas, but I’m not complaining. Since you’ve stepped on campus, you’ve become one of my best friends, and one of my dogs’ favorite people. Your bright personality complements my sarcasm, and we make a pretty good pair. To Ollie, you were that person I never saw coming. You’ve always just been there. You’ve been a constant in my life and helped me remember what’s important. Your random hugs and the way you address me -‘PEYYY’, make me smile and cheer me up when I’ve had a bad day. I’m thankful we were able to help each other address our issues with our work-life balance. Me with life and you with work. I’m comforted knowing Cassandra will give you a reason to leave the office. To Dom, I’m so grateful to have met the legendary Tom Kropp’s daughter. All jokes aside, I am thankful you walked in to my life. From that first Saturday in the fall where we laid on your couch, talked about life, and watched football all day, I knew our friendship was going to be something special. To Sarah, although I may dismiss 95% of the advice you give me, I am so appreciative of it. You’ve been that person I can laugh with and cry to when I felt like the world was crumbling around me. It probably doesn’t seem like it, but you always know what to say at the right time. vii Thank you for our friendship, conversations, and the wisdom you instilled on me. To Chris, I’ve become more cultured since you joined the program. Lifting techniques, macros, old movies, and let’s not forget Ric Flair. Thank you for broadening my perspective. To Ron, thank you for the encouragement you’ve provided throughout the program. In particular, I appreciate you making all the stats classes bearable. To Elizabeth, I couldn’t have done it without you. You’ve been my longest friend and biggest ally since I moved to Lawrence. Thank you for the ongoing support over the years. To Mom and Dad, thank you for starting my love for sports. You pushed me to succeed in a field dominated by men, and yet I not once felt like I didn’t belong. You encouraged me to step outside of my boundaries and supported me as I followed my dream. I am forever thankful for everything you have done for me. To Grandma and Roxanne, thank you for supporting me from afar. You’ve both impacted my life in many ways since I was born, but most importantly you have shown me what strong women can do. To Daniel and John, you have always been my biggest support system. Thank you for sharing your sports knowledge and ‘love for the game’ with your sister.