Women In Sports Article Review #3

Midori Harrison

Professor Currans

Introduction to gender and sexuality studies

11 December 2013

Article review #3

Sports and physical fitness have been enjoyed by women around the world for decades. Socialization, physical conditioning, career opportunities and healthy competition are among some of the many reasons why women engage in sports and physical activities. Because medical research and health organizations note an undeniable connection between physical and mental health, is another reason why women in sports has such a positive appeal. It should be noted that while there is much positive appeal about women in sports, there are also negative influences that have deterred women from engaging in sports and physical activity. Respecting the female athlete and acknowledging the benefits of women in sports is essential to improve society's view of women and physical fitness.

       Women have come a long way around the world over the last century. There was a time when a woman's role was very different from that of a man. In the home, workforce, entertainment world, and especially in sports, women were not considered equal to men.  Because men were expected to take on a dominant role in society, and because sports typically creates an image of masculinity, it was not acceptable for women to engage in sports or physical activity.  Body image played a large role in this belief.  It was not considered feminine for women to train their bodies to become muscular or strengthened. This activity was reserved for men.  It wasn't until the1970s, that society and women's organizations started putting pressure on congress to enact legislation to offer girls sports in high schools across the country, which opened up career opportunities for women in the sporting genre.

       Title IX was enacted in 1972, under President Richard Nixon.  The law made a definite statement regarding women's rights in the sports arena and raised awareness about equality for women.  The Living Law, "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." (Titleix.info). Following the enactment of this crucial piece of legislation, the participation numbers of girls in sports steadily grew. According to a recent study, "As high schools began opening the doors to girls to compete in sports in the early 1970s, state associations began to hire female administrators to direct statewide events for girls." (Howard).  Title IX not only opened up opportunities for girls to participate on sports teams, but it offered administrative opportunities for women to guide and direct sports for girls.

       Even with women's groups and charitable foundations that today offer support and assistance to girls and women in sports, there is still a looming struggle when it comes to a major element of society that deters girls from sports. That critical deterrent is that women in sports are not taken seriously. In an interview with Leora Hanser, Director of Campaigns at Women's Sports and Fitness Foundation, Director Hanser said, "Role models are crucial in inspiring girls and women to be more active, so we need to make sure that the media gives women's sport the profile it deserves."(Dugan)

        Exploring women in sports and physical activity has covered many elements that have provided both positive and negative results.  Major strides have been developed by grass roots campaigns to promote the benefits of women in sports.  Legislation has been passed on the political front to assist with opportunity for girls and women to be given equal opportunity to participate in many levels of athletics. With increased efforts, beginning with parenting to positive celebrity role models, women will continue to make strides in the awareness of the successes in health and happiness when it comes to women in sports.   

Works Cited

Dugan, Emily. "Despite the Olympic Legacy, Women's Sport Still Needs a Big Push.        Here, The Independent on Sunday Pledges to Do Just That..." The Independant.        N.p., 28 July 2013. Web. 11 Dec. 2013.

Howard, Bruce. "Female Pioneers in State Associations Lead Growth of Girls Sports."     National Federation of State High School Associations. Nimbleuser, n.d. Web. 11       Dec. 2013.

"The Living Law." Titleix.info. The Margaret Fund of NWLC, n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2013.