Gender, Sport & PA (Ch. 7)

1. Gender, Sport & PA (Ch. 7) Gender Barriers in Sport and Physical Activity

2. “Sport is training grounds where boys learn what it means to be men … Because sport is identified with men and masculinity, women in sport become trespassers on male territory and their access is limited or blocked entirely” (Griffin, 1998) “Sport is women’s issue because female sport participation empowers women, thereby inexorably changing everything” (Mariah Burton Nelson, 1994) Citations – p. 133

3. Introduction • Women have increasingly moved into sport and physical activity over the last 40 years • women’s athletic abilities have constantly increased • women might outperform men in certain sports in the near future • women are still treated as second class citizens in this social domain - Why? And what can be done?

4. Small group work: • What are the stereotypes used to differentiate females from males when it comes to sport and phys activity? • A) Particular female stereotypes? • B) Particular male stereotypes?

5. Females Males Gender Stereotypes

6. Males are characterized as strong, rational, active; women as weak, irrational, passive sex differences vs gender differences Gender stereotypes and beliefs -> gender behavior behavior of people is linked to what others expect of them and what one expects of oneself Gender Issues - past and present

7. For the most part: women have been excluded from sport and pa males used sports to help build the myth of male dominance Since the 70s women’s participation increased Women still have to prove that they are indeed feminine men now have to share -> the foundation of our traditional white male, patriarchical society is threatened = challenge and opportunity Issues 1+2: Historical Overview

8. Childhood: boys engage in sport and pa more often than girls stereotypes and labeling by adults and parents determine what sport is appropriate for the child Numbers of girls has greatly increased ; boys still receive greater benefits - coaching, practice time, uniforms, school support adulthood Gender Role in Sp Socialization

9. each gender has different expectations Men are more competitive than women gender belief systems: gender schematic - gender a-schematic Gender and Sport Achievement

10. Gender Equity - Title IX • “No person in the United States shall on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance”

11. Participation ratio women/men status of women as coaches salaries budget for male vs female teams travel allocations Uniforms, equipment playing time, fields recruitment budget meal allowances status of locker rooms sport information athletic training Title IX - Areas of Investigation

12. Media Coverage • Female athletes are covered less frequently than male athletes • women are often found in resting positions or emotional status, men in active positions • public perception: women are not achieving • sport journalism mainly male

13. Coaching and Administration • Number of women in sport administration has dropped drastically since Title IX • 80% of all coaches in schools and colleges are male • thus, women are almost non-existent in the most powerful position in sport == this barrier must fall --- HOW?

14. Issue 3: Sexual Harassment of Women in Sport • National Figures (p. 156) - SH extremely widespread, experienced by 40-60% fem. • Sexual Harassment: unwanted attention on the basis of sex: lead comments, pinching, touching, caressing, sexual jokes, or intimidating remarks • Sexual Abuse: groomed or coerced collaboration in sexual/genital acts where victim has been trapped (forced sex, viol.)

15. Who gets sexually harassed? • Highest reported incidences: males as perpetrators, women as victims • Others form possible too: female to male, male to male, female to female • Most often: person in power as harasser • Many victims unwilling to file formal complain due to their vulnerability, lack of assertiveness, fear

16. Detrimental Effects of SH • Psychological: depression, anxiety, embarrassment, denial, fear, insecurity, feelings of betrayal, low self-esteem, self blame, isolation • Physiological: headache, lethargy, fluctuation in weight, nightmares, phobia, panic reactions

17. Explanation of SH • Biological Model: SH is related to sexual attraction between people • Organizational Model: opportunity structure created by organizational climate, hierarchy, authority • Socio-Cultural Model: SH reflects society at large with its differential distribution or power and status between the sexes

18. What can we do? •  incidences of SH in Sports (pp. 163-5) • PREVENTION THROUGH EDUCATION • Encouraging athletes to file complaints • Support of victims • Know and follow guidelines (pp.166-7) • SPEAK OUT!!!!!

19. Issue 4: Homophobia in Women’s Sport • Xenophobia: fear or hatred of strangers or foreigners • Homophobia: irrational fear of homosexuality or homosexuals

20. Better team & coach performance Lower incidences of suicide Reduction of hate crimes & harassm’t Prevent destructive stereotypes Reduce fear, ignorance of discrimination Create safe environmens Improve team Chemistry & learning environment Remove athletic participation barrier Redefine masculinity Better future for all Reasons to Address Homophobia in Sport (Tucker Institute)

21. How do we educate? (p. 180)