Sport & Gender
Wk 17
G Dowdell
Contemp studies yr 12
Factors that Contribute to Discrimination
Gender
Class
Race
Age
Disability
TIP: Whenever an exam Q asks about
discrimination try to refer to each of these
areas to get top marks!!!
G Dowdell
Contemp studies yr 12
Definitions
Gender: cultural & social expected/ excepted
behaviour
e.g. masculinity and femininity (these ideals
change throughout history)
Sex: biological distinguish whether we are
male or female, we are born with these
characteristics
Sexism: set of beliefs that labels people
inferior based on biological differences between
sexes
G Dowdell
Contemp studies yr 12
Gender Discrimination & Bias
Gender bias in sport ( and in wider society)
has been part of our society for centuries
Scare tactics were used to stop women's
participation in sport
In the past women were seen as beautiful
creatures who did not exert themselves or
perspire, it was not seen as “ladylike”
G Dowdell
Contemp studies yr 12
G Dowdell
Contemp studies yr 12
Insert pics from history sheets
Rd bk 507b fig 21.10
Red bk 508 fig 21.12
G Dowdell
Contemp studies yr 12
Womens’ clothes often
restricted what activities
they could take part in!
G Dowdell
Contemp studies yr 12
Changing Times
G Dowdell
Contemp studies yr 12
Facts
Every year 33% of men take part in sport
compared to only 10% of women
Traditionally women are associated with
aesthetic / non violent activities e.g. dance
G Dowdell
Contemp studies yr 12
Task
Stigma is attached to women who stray from
these norms and play in traditionally male
sports. They are often labelled butch or their
sexuality is questioned:
From you own personal experience, with
reference to a particular sport state how this
is often the case. [6]
G Dowdell
Contemp studies yr 12
Stereotyping
G Dowdell
Contemp studies yr 12
Stigma and Stereotyping
Traditionally women are associated with
aesthetic / non violent activities e.g. dance
There is a stigma attached to women who
stray from these norms and play in
traditionally male sports.
They are often labelled butch / lesbians!
G Dowdell
Contemp studies yr 12
G Dowdell
Contemp studies yr 12
Restrictions on Women
Today women have more freedom but there
are still many factors which hold them back.
Generally have less free time and often have
jobs as well as bringing up children.
Don’t have the opportunity to take part in
sport due to lack of finances.
G Dowdell
Contemp studies yr 12
Historically women are seen as the weaker sex,
this has impaired their chances to succeed and
be recognised in sport.
Inferior quality of media coverage.
Sponsorship it tends to be for the wrong reasons
e.g. sex appeal
Drugs
Famous celebrity family / spouse
Class discussion:
With reference from your own experience,
discuss the effect that limited media coverage has
on womens’ sport
G Dowdell
Contemp studies yr 12
Women & Professional Sport
On a professional stage women are not given
the same amount of prestige, coverage or
sponsorship that men get.
Women who get the greatest amount of T.V.
coverage tend to do so because of their looks
rather than their sporting ability.
G Dowdell
Contemp studies yr 12
Anna Kournikova- sex symbol 1st
tennis player 2nd
G Dowdell
Even though
Kournikova was never
within the world top 10,
but she is the highest
paid female player with
lucrative deals from
various big companies.
Contemp studies yr 12
Modern day sport
G Dowdell
Contemp studies yr 12
Changing Times
Increase access / facilities and coaching
Raise profile through media attention and
sponsorship
Nurture talent from a young age
Increase provision, opportunity and esteem
Now look read the handout and discuss
reasons for some of these myths and
stereotypes
(pg 115)
G Dowdell
Contemp studies yr 12
Why are more woman taking part in sport?
Emancipation
Culture of health and slimness
More free time
More money
More facilities available
More fashionable
More activities to choose from
G Dowdell
Contemp studies yr 12
Increase
participation levels
Improve
skills
Create positive
attitude
Sports Council for
Women
Increase opportunity
Encourage equal
opps
G Dowdell
Contemp studies yr 12
Gender & race
G Dowdell
Contemp studies yr 12
