Symbolic boundaries in the virtual game feed into the social boundaries that shape the young players’ actions in the game and sense of self. ![]() This distinction works together with negative language and harassment in the process of excluding the feminine and female gamers, while masculine positions are allowed greater variation. The analyses show that game preferences, gaming styles and skills are constructed as a hierarchy, which defines what is perceived as an authentic gamer. The study is based on semi-structured interviews and observations of five young adults, both genders represented, in addition to studies of the game and observations of gaming. The analytic framework is based on theories of symbolic boundaries and the analytic concepts used are cultural distinctions, stereotypes and policing mechanisms. This article shows how users of the online video-game The League of Legends (LoL) describe and negotiate symbolic boundaries and identity constructions.
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