| Generation Z's Attitudes Toward E-Sports as a Legitimate Career |
| Paper ID : 1616-SPORTCONGRESS (R1) |
| Authors |
|
Fereshteh Aghajani *1, Vajiheh Javani2 1PhD Candidate, Sport Management, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran 2Associate Professor, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran |
| Abstract |
| This study aims to explore Generation Z's values and attitudes toward e-sports as a legitimate career path, investigating how this digital-native generation redefines professional legitimacy in the contemporary context. Utilizing Braun and Clarke's six-phase thematic analysis, the researchers gathered data via semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and online community discussion analyses among Gen Z individuals with different degrees of gaming participation. The analysis identified six overarching themes: (1) Redefining Professional Legitimacy in the Digital Age, encompassing institutional legitimacy, social acceptance paradox, and comparison with traditional sports; (2) Digital Entrepreneurship and Self-Construction, including multi-stream economy, personal branding, and influencer integration; (3) Tension Between Passion and Security, addressing structural concerns and passion ideology (4) Meritocracy and Democracy of Opportunity, highlighting global accessibility, effort-based culture, and structural equality; (5) Belonging and Collective Identity, emphasizing team culture, generational identity, and participation in cultural movement; and (6) Human Capital and Future-Readiness, focusing on cognitive-strategic, interpersonal and digital literacy. The data suggests that Generation Z is radically changing the concept of work and career success by putting the above-mentioned characteristics over the traditional ones, such as security and social status. At the same time, the conflict between passion and security shows that Gen Z is still involved in difficult discussions between their creative values and socio-economic realities. |
| Keywords |
| Generation Z, E-sports Career, Professional Legitimacy, Thematic Analysis, Digital Entrepreneurship |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
