Gender and Sports

On April 23, 2013 in my American Sport in the 21st Century class we discussed the topic of gender differences in sports. Until 1972, when Title IX was introduced, women didn't many equal opportunities in sports. Many girls and women would not be playing sports today if it weren't for local and national legislation mandating equal rights (Coakley, 2010; pg 232). All people are classified into one of two sex categories: male or female. The categories are defined in biological terms, and they are viewed in terms of differences and opportunities; in fact, they're usually identified as "opposite sexes." All people in the male category are believed to be naturally different from all people in the female category, and they are held to different normative expectations when it comes to feelings, thoughts, and actions (Coakley, 2010; pg 258). These assumptions can lead to stereotypes like what we discussed during class lecture.

Agencies of Sex Role Stereotypes

The Family

• First question always asked when pregnant, boy or girl? Putting emphasis on gender importance.
• Parents direct behavior towards masculine and feminine activity.
• Toys, colors of clothing, and activities.

School

• Reinforces differential expectations: Girls take the role of having the "cute" and "adorable" personality whereas the boys take the role of being "class clown" and "imaginative."
• Steers boys and girls to different activities: Girls tend to do more shopping and hanging out with friends whereas boys play sports and hang with friends. 

The Media                                                                                          

• One of the most influencial and persuasive forces is the media.
• Preschool children watch 24 hours of TV per week.
• By the time they graduate, they see and average of 100,000 commercials.
• Sets agendas for how we think, act, and feel.

My opinion: I feel that womens sports have come a long way. Back before 1972, women in sports was not equal at all compared to mens. There are still some adjustments that need to be made. Thinking back to my high school, I realized that men and womens sports were not very equal. Although activist women and men dedicated to gender equity have produced many important changes, at least half of the 3.3 billion girls and women in the world today lack regular access to sports participation opportunities (Coakley, 2010; pg 233).




http://www.academic.marist.edu/mwwatch/spring03/articles/Sports/sportsfinal.html