Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Opportunity Differences for Male and Females in Sports

Over the last 50 years we have come to the stark realization that when it comes to improving and maintaining health across the lifespan, exercise is key. Within this, we have also concluded that sports offer the perfect medium to get and keep people active. 

And obviously, this holds true irrespective of your gender.

But do female athletes get the same sports opportunities as their male counterparts – because we know they should?

 

Do sport opportunities vary among gender?

If we take a step back and look at the interesting history of females in sports, it becomes apparent that things have never really been equal – and while things are certainly getting better, we still aren’t quite there yet.

The first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896 in Athens, Greece.

And guess what?

Women were not allowed to compete. 

However, a mere four years later at the 1900 Paris Games, women were permitted to compete – although they could only compete in what were deemed to be feminine sporting events (lawn tennis, golf, croquet, and sailing).

Although the restrictions on women in the Olympics did get better over the years, it was still slow going.

Nineteenth-century America idealized female modesty. As a result, they frowned upon sports as a threat to femininity. It was perceived as a masculine activity, and therefore something that should be left to males.

Hell, this double standard lasted long after even slavery was abolished. Women simply did not exert themselves – rather their servants did. 

Instead, those women from affluent families joined country clubs, where a select few sports were deemed acceptable for aristocratic ladies. You know the ones I am talking about – tennis, croquet, archery, and swimming.

 

Then we finally saw some progress. 

The Civil Rights act of 1964 was amended with Title IX in 1972.

Title IX was aimed at outlawing discrimination in schools, a push that managed to receive federal assistance at the time. The lack of opportunities for females in sports was then interpreted as a type of discrimination, and the flood gates started to open.

Females gradually saw increased opportunities to transition into the professional sports marketplace as three professional women’s basketball leagues, two professional women’s softball leagues, and a professional women’s soccer league were introduced to the nation.

Over the last decade, we have seen a steady increase in female sport across the globe. This has come with increased interest, increased observation, and increased participation – all of which have been driven by an appreciation for our top-level female athletes.

However, we are not there yet.

As of 2012, there were still a whopping 39 events that were not available to women in the Olympic Games. Moreover, female sports get much fewer media coverage than their male counterparts – reducing funding, and also reducing the opportunity for females to participate.

In short, inequality remains.

 

How has opportunity differences changed over the years for females?

Group workout at a gym

Now, I appreciate that the above information paints a somewhat dark picture for female sports – which is I why I want to highlight the fact that things are getting better.

Particularly when we look at the growth of women’s participation in sports over the last few decades (Stracciolini, 2018):

  • In high school, the number of female athletes has increased from 295,000 in 1972, to more than 2.6 million 
  • We have observed a similar increase in female college athletes, which has jumped 30,000 all the way to 1500,00
  • Incredibly, in NCAA intercollegiate sports, females comprised less than one-third of athletes in 1982. Since 2003, approximately 53% of the championship sports teams in the NCAA were women’s teams

So, looking at how opportunities vary among high school, college, and elite female athletes, we can see that sports participation continues to grow.

 

Do male and female expectations of becoming elite differ?

When we take a deep dive into why female sport participation at the elite level is markedly less than those of males, we discover some answers (Flanagan, 2007).

Researchers focusing on gender inequality in sports have long noticed the disparity in earning potential between female and male athletes.

To put it simply, female athletes get paid much less than males.

While this could come down to the fact that women sports tend to get fewer sponsors and fewer viewers than males who play the same sport, I believe it goes deeper than that.

In general, female athletes get less funding than male athletes. This means that they get less advertising and less investment.

As a result, they are not really expected to make a living out of the sport.

And then going back even further, it is still apparent that sports are viewed as a somewhat masculine activity. With this in mind, sports are generally considered – and taught – as a lower priority for female children than it is for males.

Really, is it no wonder that women’s equality in sports is an ongoing issue?

 

The decline in female coaches and administrators 

Woman running in a endurance race

Now interestingly, it is important to note that women are still underrepresented in all aspects of the sport – even when it comes to coaching and administration, which have strangely decreased since the introduction of Title IX. 

See, in 1972, coaches in female sports were approximately 90 percent women. 

However, by 1998, that percentage had decreased all the way to 58 percent. Then, in 2003, it had declined further, dropping to a mere 44 percent. 

And in that same year, only 18 percent of female sports programs were administered by women.

The scary thing?

This statistic only looks to decline further.

You may also like: Re-Thinking Gender Based Nutrition

 

How publicity varies among genders

In general, female athletes are given less media attention than male athletes. Moreover, they tend to play at less desirable times, and in facilities that hold fewer people (Capranica, 2013).

Yes, they receive less publicity.

But that isn’t the only problem when it comes to gender publicity in sports.

Yep, I am talking about the media’s sexualization of female athletes. 

Unlike most male athletes, female athletes rarely get portrayed as strictly performance athletes. In fact, more often than not, coverage of their beauty and ‘sex appeal’ overshadows their real sporting accomplishments. 

Depicting female athletes in suggestive poses and clothing, the media project a woman first athlete second attitude that seriously detracts from the effort they put into their craft.

And it needs to stop.

 

Do male athletes get paid more?

What about the gender pay gap in sports?

Historically females have been paid much less than males, irrespective of their competition. However, over the last decade, we have seen the gender pay gap narrow significantly (Zerunyan, 2017).

In fact, according to some interesting research conducted by the BBC, it has been estimated that approximately 83% of all sports now reward men and women equally.

This means they often receive the same prize money, and often the same earnings per minute.

Although I should note that some disparities do indeed remain.

When we start to look at the highest-paid male athletes in the world, they still earn much more than some of the best female athletes. While much of this is through sponsorship deals, it still highlights a distinct difference between the two.

Some would even suggest that it indicates male athletes are still prioritized by big-name sporting companies.

 

The importance of sports in young female athletes’ lives

So why do we care? I mean, really, why is sport important for women?

Well, an easier question to answer is why isn’t sport important for women.

At the most basic level, sports participation increases physical activity levels. This means it protects against the onset of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and osteoporosis, as well as mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety (Eime, 2013; Stracciolini, 2018).

Incredibly, those individuals who participate in sport as a child are more likely to participate in sport as an adult – suggesting that getting your kids to participate in sport at an early age will literally change their lives forever.

On another level, competing in sport builds character. It allows you to foster independence and resilience while building self-esteem and self-confidence.

It ultimately creates a platform of values for which you can build the rest of your life. 

So again, answer me this – why isn’t sport important for women?

 

Take-Home Message

Since the 1970s we have seen the opportunities for women to participate in sport at every level increase exponentially – but still, some key inequalities remain.

Females athletes are generally underfunded and underprioritized by the media. They also receive less sponsorship and less attention and are treated markedly different from the media than their male counterparts.

However, if we start to rectify these problems, I am sure we will see some huge improvements across the board.

 

References

Flanagan, Kelly E., et al. “The Effect of Gender Opportunity in Sports on the Priorities and Aspirations of Young Athletes.” The Shield-Research Journal of Physical Education & Sports Science. 2 (2007).

Stracciolini, Andrea, et al. “Female Sport Participation Effect on Long-Term Health-Related Quality of Life.” Clinical journal of sport medicine: official journal of the Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine (2018).

Capranica, Laura, et al. “The gender gap in sport performance: equity influences equality.” International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance 8.1 (2013): 99-103.

Zerunyan, Nicole. “Time’s Up: Addressing Gender-Based Wage Discrimination in Professional Sports.” Loy. LA Ent. L. Rev. 38 (2017): 229.

Eime, Rochelle M., et al. “A systematic review of the psychological and social benefits of participation in sport for children and adolescents: informing development of a conceptual model of health through sport.” International journal of behavioral nutrition and physical activity 10.1 (2013): 98.

You May Like!

Man running on a path

The Autoimmune Athlete

Hunter Bennett Being an elite athlete poses a unique set of challenges that very few...
woman drinking water

Water and Hydration

Hunter Bennett Given that your body is approximately 60 percent water, it stands to reason...
woman holding a pillow over her head

Menopause and Sleep

Hunter Bennett Menopause is commonly considered to be one of the most trying times in...
Girl riding bike wearing virtual reality goggles

Virtual Reality Exercise

Jessica Gillespie-Friesen What if the secret to boosting your performance at the gym was simply...
To women jumping on boxes

The Rise of CrossFit

Hunter Bennett Over the last few years, we have seen a resurgence in both high-intensity...
Man holding his knee that has a brace on it.

4 Signs of Arthritis

Ryan Cross, Physiotherapist Most people know someone affected by arthritis or have symptoms of arthritis...
Man jumping

Muscle Growth and Loss

Dayton Kelly Muscle growth may not be entirely lost following detraining: a paradigm shift in...
FODMAP and exercise

FODMAPS and Exercise

Dayton Kelly FODMAPs: A culprit in exercise-induced gastrointestinal distress and an explanation for athlete adoption...
Sleep Apnea

5 Signs of Sleep Apnea

Most people snore once in a while, but what happens when your loud, continuous snoring...
Exercising in the Heat

Exercising in the Heat

Alyssa Bialowas As temperatures continue to soar in the summer, it’s important to be cognizant...
3 benefits of CrossFit

3 Benefits of CrossFit

Alyssa Biawolas CrossFit remains to be one of the most popular and most controversial fitness...
best sleep aids

Best Sleep Aids

Getting a good night’s sleep isn’t just nice. It’s essential. As The National Heart, Lung,...
OTC sleeping pills

Best OTC Sleeping Pills

The National Sleep Foundation suggests that most adults need up to nine hours of sleep...
Best Sleep Trackers

6 Best Sleep Trackers

Have you ever felt like you aren’t getting the recommended eight to nine hours of rest...
5 Best Sleep Apps

5 Best Sleep Apps

Are you trying to track your sleep so you can get a better night’s rest?...
woman sprinting on a track

The Biomechanics of Sprinting

Alyssa Biawolas Understanding the biomechanics of sprint running form is essential to successful sprint performance....
pacer

Do You Need A Pacer?

Alyssa Bialowas Introduction Strong displays in endurance sport are as much about pacing as training....
practicing meditation

Go Forth & Be Mindful

Hank Shell Well, folks, 2017 is drawing to a close, there’s still no natural snow...

Don’t Skip Ankle Mobility

Ankle mobility affects the entire kinetic train. Low back pain? Plantar fasciitis? Tight Hamstrings? Ankle...
Choosing-The-Right-Coach

Choosing The Right Coach

John Barry, Sports Performance Specialist The holiday season is in full swing. No matter what...

How HIIT Changes Our Body

Evan Stevens Researchers looked at how HIIT (high intensity interval training) changed glucose metabolism in...
hockey players

HIIT For Hockey Performance

Ryan Cross, B.A. Hons (Kin), MScPT, FCAMPT Registered Physiotherapist in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada The hockey...

The Will To Compete

Mike Choi, 45, is a competitive masters weightlifter. Mike was a “weekend warrior” until he...
Training

Training Your Body and Brain

Contributed by Julia C. Basso, PhD, Post-doctoral Research Associate at the Center for Neural Science and...

Strengthen Your Rotator Cuff

Forever Fit Science physical therapist, Ryan Cross, demonstrates a simple rotator cuff exercise. By performing...

4 Essential Exercises

Dayton Kelly Essential to the development of any strong training plan is the concept of...
woman runner with headache

Headaches and VO2 max

Catherine O’Brien Headaches are a prominent health concern with 1 out of every 7 Americans...

Become A Runner at Any Age

Gillian White BSc, MSc, PhD Candidate University of Toronto Exercise Sciences Why society is telling...

Exercise and Digestive Health

Julia Basso – PhD Dr. Shawn Khodadadian of Manhattan Gastroenterology writes that, “Exercise and digestion...
omega 3 foods

Fill Up On Omega-3s

Dayton Kelly This article was adapted from a combination of speeches given at the European...
fit 55

Crossfit For All Ages

Katie Rose Hejtmanek, PhD Stay Strong, Mobile, and Able! “It is a great feeling when...
happy walker

Run/Walk Or Run Only?

Catherine O’Brien When I first started running, my mom introduced me to the Galloway Method....

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Guide

Ryan Cross – B.A. Hons (Kin), MScPT, FCAMPT Registered Physiotherapist at CBI Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation...

Post-Concussion Management

Catherine O’Brien Post-Concussion Syndrome and Treatment In this article on the topic of concussion, I...
ankle bone

Ankle Sprains Start In The Hip

Ryan Cross – B.A. Hons (Kin), MScPT, FCAMPT Registered Physiotherapist at CBI Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre...

5 Bio-Motor Abilities

Forever Fit Science’s founder Virginia Davies explains the 5 bio-motor abilities crucial to a well-rounded...

Training Program For Autism

Catherine O’Brien Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder associated with impaired social ability,...

It’s All In The Hips

Ryan Cross – B.A. Hons (Kin), MScPT, FCAMPT Registered Physiotherapist at CBI Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre...

Fit and Happy

Catherine O’Brien Fit and Happy Growing up, my mother always encouraged me and my three...

Exercise And PMS

Catherine O’Brien Exercise and PMS: A case for exercising during menstruation To exercise or to...

Coffee: Fitness Friend or Foe?

Adriane Cook B.S. Kinesiology, Michigan State University www.balancewithme.com Nothing quite unites a country like its...

What Is Your Why?

Forever Fit Science Master Athletes tell their why for competing and staying active.  From not...

Mental Game Tip

The Game Forever Fit Science Master Racquetball Athlete and veteran of the U.S. Air Force...
Getting There

Getting There

Paul Stevens Carpe Diem (but in a relaxed sort of way) “GETTING THERE” Today was...

Crunch Time!

Paul Stevens Carpe Diem (but in a relaxed sort of way) “CRUNCH TIME!!!” I’m a...
BHB Supplements

BHB Supplements and Energy

Evan Stevens BHB Supplements and Energy We’ve already heard about low CHO (low carbohydrate) diets...

How do I get started?

Grayson Fertig & Mike Morris This is what I have learned. This is what I’ve experienced. And...
Rowing Ergometer

The Perfect Catch

Dayton Kelly Looking for a change of pace? Why the Rowing Ergometer should be on...
Father’s Day Triathlon

#Dadblog: I did it!

Mike Caterini #Dadblog: I did it! I’ve just left the beach running and am a...

Taken for a Ride?

Paul Stevens Article No. 16 June 7, 2016 Carpe Diem (but in a relaxed sort...

Training for life

Jon Carlock In a way, it’s easy to train an athlete. Because the desired outcome...

7 Key Reasons We Exercise

Grayson Fertig I’m very interested in trying to understand what motivates us to exercise. If...

The Science of Speed

Evan Stevens Faster than a speeding bullet – how fast can we go? In 1900...

80 is the New 30

Sara Thompson and Fiona Callender During our trip to Europe to visit the research labs,...
Music and Workouts

Why Music Motivates a Workout

Sara Thompson, MSc, Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Human Physiology Research Unit, University of...
Brain Growth with Exercise

Brain Growth with Exercise

Contributed by Julia C. Basso, PhD, Post-doctoral Research Associate at the Center for Neural Science and...

The post Opportunity Differences for Male and Females in Sports appeared first on ForeverFitScience.

No comments:

Post a Comment