Masculinity In Sports
analytical Essay
1361 words
Many Americans watch sports for the fun of the game; it is a form of relaxation or excitement. Becoming an athlete is something many dream about and some strive for a portion of their lives trying to make it a reality. But is it just as attainable for women as it is men? Being able to make a career out of something a person enjoys is something many dream about. Women do not have the same advantages when it comes to being an athlete or upward mobility in employment. There has been some progress in the equality of men and women but not enough. Hegemonic masculinity still affects women’s chances at succeeding in employment and sports because of perceived gender roles, stereotyping, and discrimination. Children learn the differences between men and women’s roles in society from a young age. It is not something that is biologically instilled; rather it is something it is taught by observing the roles each gender partakes in their respected fields. When it comes to employment, children distinguish jobs like nurses and teachers are usually for women and firefighters or presidents are for men (Jacobs 2008). This may because they see members in their family holding these positions or being taught in school that certain genders usually hold certain positions. The same is true for children and associating gender roles in sports. Men usually become basketball, football, or soccer players. Women are not the first gender children think about when it comes to being athletic in competitive sports. Boys start to understand what masculinity is because of participating in sports and do not want to be called “fag” or “sissy” (Douglas Hartman 2008). They may kick the ball around with a male family figure, like a father, who instructs and criticizes... ... middle of paper ... ...men are increasingly holding high-status positions, but follow a more family centered route. Women are not paid as much as men in sports nor in other jobs. Male employers look at women sexually and are less likely to hire women because of discriminatory practices. In order for an end to the discrimination against women, there has to be a cultural change and new policy has to be implemented (Bobbitt-Zeher 2011). More integration in male dominated fields is also necessary to relive the gender differences. Changing the aggressiveness or the masculinity-centered advertisement in sports may allow more women to participate. Something similar can be done for the workplace like, looking at women as workers and not sexual objects or inferior to men because of certain traits they possess. Women should not have to go through this kind of discrimination at this time and age.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that many americans watch sports for the fun of the game; it is a form of relaxation or excitement. however, women do not have the same advantages when it comes to being an athlete or upward mobility in employment.
- Explains that children learn the differences between men and women's roles in society from a young age.
- Explains that women are nurturing and sympathetic and feel the need to express a masculine when it comes to trying to get at the same level as men.
- Analyzes how women's jobs are low pay, low end, and do not offer benefits. although women work in male-dominated fields, the difference in percentages raises questions of inequality.
- Explains that women are accused of thinking of their other duties like being a wife and mother, and cannot put their full attention on the job. some companies take these traits and use it against them to an extreme.
- Explains that women are disciplined more than men in the workplace. pregnancy was one of the ways male employers used to fire women.
- Explains that the federal mandate for gender equality, title ix, allowed 2.5 million women to participate in sporting events in 2003, compared to 300,000 in 1972.
- Explains that stereotypical roles or traits women are said to have can lead to discrimination, especially in the workplace.
- Analyzes how a study by david neumark found that women were 35% less likely to get an interview as opposed to men in high-end restaurants. this shows that there is still gender discrimination in the workplace.
- Concludes that hegemonic masculinity affects women's chances at succeeding in employment and sports because of perceived gender roles, stereotyping, and discrimination.
Related
- analytical
- opinionated
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In this essay, the author
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- States that title ix applies to all educational institutions, both public and private, that receive federal funds. athletics programs are considered educational programs.
- Explains that new regulations have brought in a wave of girls into the college athletic scene. as women competed on national television, they gained more respect.
- Explains that many improvements have been made in the last 30 years since title ix was enacted. it's not only important in athletics but also in education.
- Opines that title ix has made it easier for anyone to go out there and play sports whether it be in high school or college.
- Explains that billie jean king and donna de varona, two of the first women to successfully compete in professional sports, founded the women's sports foundation, whose slogan reads:giving girls a chance to play.
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In this essay, the author
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- Argues that increased media coverage of women's sports could help educate the public on the actual participation that women have in sports and how it is becoming a norm.
- Explains that societal attitudes on the presumed gender roles of women in sports also play a factor in the issue of inequality.
- Explains that the 1996 olympics brought forth an enormous enthusiasm for women's sports because of the success the united states female athletes had.
- Explains that the coverage of women's sports on cnnsi, espn, and cbs sportsline was much less than what men received.
- Explains that in the coverage of men's and women’s sports on television, there was a high favoring of team sports when it came to men.
- Explains that women are affected by sports in a positive way in most instances. studies suggest that females that play sports are less likely to be involved in disruptive behavior, which could lessen teen pregnancy, lower grades, dropping out from high school, and possible health risks.
- Opines that sports have played a very important role for female students to increase their psychological and sociological impact. this should be made available to girls and women to achieve positive outcomes that are associated with gender equality.
- States that title ix of the 1972 education amendments act requires equal opportunity athletic programs be put in place by 1978.
- Opines that women's sports are undergoing significant changes and advancements, with more recognition and attention put on them in the last decade, which could mean better production of sports for women.
- Opines that the success of women's sports depends on the involvement of female leaders that prioritize the opportunities made available to women.
- Opines that women's sports were a profitable institution in sports that men took notice of after the passing of title ix.
- Opines that gender equality in sports is an issue that will be dealt with many years to come. title ix is a powerful weapon that can be used in the legal system to ensure women have their rights protected and saved.
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In this essay, the author
- Opines that it may take time to reverse thousands of years of oppressive gender distinctions and role identities.
- Explains that the 20th century was a reaction against the past. victorian ideals were entrenched into every day american life.
- Explains how women became fiercer and more competitive with technology. they demanded equal rights in politics and opportunities, and wanted equal opportunities in everything.
- Opines that title 9 guaranteed women's rights, but in reality, it was still a battle for women to identify themselves as serious athletes and be taken seriously.
- Explains that the world of sports highlights the problems that still exist for women as well as problems with modern sex stereotyping and generalizing.
- Opines that the problem of labeling certain things and expecting people to fulfill their gender role is misleading and confusing.
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In this essay, the author
- Explains that sports are a fundamental aspect of american culture and their values are significant when it comes to their effect on economics, politics, mass media, relationships, and public influence.
- Explains that sports have a positive economic impact on american society, and that it is an unifier and socializing agent.
- Explains that athletics in russia was governed by a dictator who required complete obedience and compliance from all constituents without question. the governments obsessive fetishism of sport led to opposition groups.
- Explains the sociological aspects of sport in american culture and how it impacts society.
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In this essay, the author
- Explains that sports and athletics have always been gender specific. women aren't given the same opportunities or respect as men, because of stereotypical roles, salary, and sexual exploitation.
- Explains that society has continuously conditioned itself to think in a gendered manner. this results in women being discouraged from doing activities such as sweating, being aggressive, and competing in sports and physical activities.
- Explains that title ix prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally funded education.
- Explains that the average salary for the coach of a national collegiate athletic association (ncaa) division i men’s team increased by 67 percent to $267,007 from 2003 to 2010.
- Explains that media plays a big role in the exploitation of women in sports, stating that hardworking women are more than just sexual objects and role models.
- Opines that society should take gender equity in sports seriously and realize that these women are role models for many girls across the world.
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In this essay, the author
- Explains that sports are used to improve people's lives, as well as to enhance their individualities and pro-social sports behaviour.
- Explains how women centered organisations, events, and exercise spaces have helped women develop physical skills, health and confidence in sports. further global models have been developed to increase participation.
- Analyzes how social ideologies that prescribe what is sports are appropriate or inappropriate for women tend to influence their participation.
- Explains that their interest in sports is based on their nurturing, which has influenced their choice of the topic.
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In this essay, the author
- Explains that athletic differences between men and women have much to do with innate characteristics determined by genetics and hormones. male athletes are typically stronger, faster, and tougher.
- Opines that men play sports to follow the ideal male image society has created. however, they have questioned masculinity in sports.
- Explains that masculinity can be seen as a performance, which means, men are being assessed and evaluated by other men against socially accepted norms and are constantly trying to meet these standards.
- Opines that a male athlete who plays 'feminine' sport and has the physical qualities of the ideal male is seen as less manly or not.
- Explains that ideal masculinity is an ever changing term, and just because it applies to one male it doesn't necessarily apply to another. as male athletes, they all strive to accomplish the same goal; win.
521 wordsRead More