To examine perceptions of the desirable purpose of athletics by men an
d women 162 college men, 84 of whom participated in intercollegiate at
hletics, and 190 college women, 81 of whom participated in intercolleg
iate athletics, were administered the Purpose of Sport Questionnaire.
Applying a two-way multivariate analysis of variance to their mean res
ponses gender was significant. Post hoc analysis indicated that men be
lieved enhanced competitiveness, social status, and high-status career
opportunities to be more important purposes of sport participation th
an did women. Participants in intercollegiate athletics had significan
tly higher perceptions of enhanced competitiveness, social status, and
high-status career opportunities as more important purposes of sport
participation than nonparticipants. However, nonparticipants in interc
ollegiate athletics believed that acquisition of attributes that make
one a good citizen and enhancement of self-esteem were more important
purposes of sport participation.