Women in Sports Essay example - 938 Words

Women in Sports Historical evidence proves that women have been involved in sports since fourth century BC; but were not necessarily given the approval to participate. Many restrictions were enforced to keep women out of these male activities and were continually reinforced until the twentieth century. Women entering the world of sports were aware that they were placing themselves into a male dominated field. With their entrance into the sporting world, these women have opened themselves up to many different criticisms and to the possibility of exploitation within the media and from male authority figures. Women in sports are constantly striving for equality where hegemonic masculinity in†¦show more content†¦One issue faced by female athletes in their chosen sport, is the perception they lack physical capabilities and the issues surrounding this myth. Before the 1920’s women were only allowed to participate in sports that required little to no physical activity (Simri 40-48). Wom en at a young age were taught that their bodies are physically weaker than males. As a result, women would not use their bodies to their full capability in fear of being socially ostracized or causing bodily harm to themselves. Thus, perpetuating the false notion that they were inherently weaker than male athletes. These ideas of female frailty emerged during the beginning of the twentieth century and are only now being proven wrong. Physicians and physical therapists have proven that there is very little difference in physical ability between female and male athletes given equal training. Many women have begun to realize their natural abilities and have started to take part in more physical demanding sports. However, there is still the lingering impression that women cannot produce the aggression that certain sports require. This notion is popular among women as well as men (Dowling). The media’s depiction of female sporting events, also have a direct impact on the success of female athletes and their selected sport. The general media, consisting of photographers, editorsShow MoreRelatedWomen and Sports1522 Words   |  7 PagesLiterature Thesis There is a definite correlation between the economics of professional women ¡Ã‚ ¦s sports and their ultimate success. As most success in sport leagues, teams and associations are measured by longevity, win/loss records, and most importantly, revenue, the footprint of female competition at the professional level has not been paramount at any point in our history. Professional women ¡Ã‚ ¦s athletics is characterized by an economic model and a level of acceptance amongst the massesRead More Women in Sports and Sports Broadcasting Essay584 Words   |  3 PagesWomen in Sports and Sports Broadcasting Before I conducted this media analysis about women in sports and sport broadcasting, I hypothesized the obvious - that more male sports would be in the media, and that there would be more male sports broadcasters as well. Through my observations I did find that the sports arena and sports broadcasting sphere are male dominated. However, I also found that although there are not many stories about women, there has been a steady progression and magazinesRead MoreWomen and Sport Essay1116 Words   |  5 PagesWomen and Sport Turn on your TV screen and there’s a high probability that a sports game will be on at one channel. Unless it’s a special sports channel such as ‘sky sports’ etc. you will easily realise it is men playing the relevant sport. Ever wondered why? Why aren’t women’s sports as amazingly popular as the large market of men’s sports? Millions are spent on men’s sports and men sports’ propaganda but why aren’t women’s sports as popular? They are physically andRead MoreWomen Discrimination In Sports1572 Words   |  7 PagesDiscrimination in Women Sports Women have always been the minority in today’s world whether that’s in the work force or even in sports. Title IX a act that was made by the United States Congress in 1972 that said that no one should be denied to play, receive financial aid, or discrimination to any education program or activity that pertains to only one sex. (Senne 1) This act was a step towards more female participation and less discrimination, but those stereotypes most of society believes in stillRead More Women and Sports Essay912 Words   |  4 PagesWomen and Sports As it becomes increasingly acceptable for women to be athletic in American culture, a new question arises: in which sports should women be allowed to participate? From a physiological standpoint, it has been scientifically proven that female bodies do not differ significantly enough from male bodies to prevent them from participation in any male sports. This division between male and female sports clearly stems from age-old, socially constructed norms of femininity and masculinityRead MoreThe Future of Women in Sports1080 Words   |  5 PagesThe Future of Women in Sports As the year 2010 has arrived, the problem of the portrayal of women in sports no longer lies in their fight for equality and opportunity, but in fighting off the competition with men. It is no longer an issue of women not being taken seriously or being looked down upon if they decide to be athletes, but that men want to take part in competition with women in sports. This film thus focuses on the struggles that the male protagonist faces in trying to compete withRead MoreEssay on Women in Sports961 Words   |  4 PagesWomen in Sports Challenges appear to be part of the human experience. In the course of history, very little has come easily. The progress that women have made in sport in the United States over the course of the last 100 years seems remarkable for the amount achieved in so little time. In relation to the other advances made in this century, including mens sport, that achievement dims. While women have made great advances, they havent, in comparison, come that far. It would appear, from theRead MoreThe Role Of Women In Sports1541 Words   |  7 PagesWomen have always been the minority in the world even today: that is in the work force or even in sports. Title IX, an act that was made by the United States Congress in 1972, said that no one should be denied to play, receive financial aid, or discriminate to any education program or activity that pertains to only one sex (Senne 1). This act was a step towards improving female participation and lessening discrimination, but the stereotypes that most of society believes in still exist. This is oneRead MoreEssay on Women in Sports707 Words   |  3 PagesWomen in Sports In the last one hundred years women have made tremendous inroads in many facets of life. Of that there can be little doubt. Women may now hold jobs, own property and participate in professional sports. Today women can compete in sports, once a vestige of male domination; there is now room for women in that arena. But even today women in sports are not portrayed in the same light as their male counterparts. To a large degree this is because of todays cultural ideal of women.Read More Women and Sports Essays3142 Words   |  13 Pagesyears for women to gain a semblance of equality in sports. Throughout history, women have been both excluded from playing sports and discriminated against in sports. Men’s sports have always dominated the college athletic field, but women were finally given a fighting chance after Title IX was passed. Title IX, among other things, requires scholarships to be equally proportioned between men and women’s sports. Although this was a huge gain f or women, gender inequality still exists in sports today. An