Gender in sport
Gender is a socially constructed, multi-faceted issue, which is not based on biological differences. The roles of parents, peers and the media are imperative in this construction, especially in the area of sport. Sport is an integral aspect of life, and is an important issue in childhood and adolescence. Education and mass media are powerful agents of socialization and play influential roles in the construction of masculinity and femininity. Yet these could be the agents that break down these images and promote change within our society. This essay looks at the many issues involved with gender and sport, and gives achievable implications to promote change.Children do not learn how to act male or female by being passive. They actively participate in activities that assist in developing their gender. As well, children receive messages from around them that reinforce notions of what it is to be male or female. Children are socialized into their respective genders from the clothes they wear, to toys, magazines and from parents dressing infant girls in pink, and boys in blue (Thorne, 1993, p.2). Children's gender constructions are very strongly influenced by prominent figures; parents, teachers and other adults. It is therefore ine
males were believed to be stronger, faster and naturally better athletes. vitable that a child entering the first years of schooling will already have acquired notions of what it is to be male or female. Although more girls and women participate in sports today than ever before, male still predominate, and we often expect males to be more active participants and more avid competitorsFemale athletes often do not receive the recognition that they rightly deserve, which has resulted in an uneven spread of publicity and therefore, lack of positive role models for girls. Sport plays an important role in society, particularly within a school environment. Sufficient role models should be provided to children, especially girls as they are drastically under represented in mass media circles. However, today's highly trained female athlete is not much different from her male counterpart . Usually the articles consist of a brief outline of the event with no photo and a small caption. Today's society is centered around the media and publicity of prominent figures and their achievements. It can be challenged on an individual basis, but influences from peers, parents, school and the media go a long way to set the boundaries for masculine and feminine behaviors. The print media as well devotes many pages per edition to the reporting of sporting events. Teachers should be aware of gender differences that exist and how gender stereotypes are constructed in order to begin to break down the gender barriers that exist and therefore begin a cycle of change. Television plays a pivotal role in sporting coverage with many hours of viewing related to the broadcast of sporting events or the airing of associated sporting shows. Historically, females have not been expected to excel in physical feats.
Common topics in this essay:
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Australian Rules,
male female,
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role models,
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dominated sports,
gender socially constructed,
notions male female,
participate sports,
promote change,
mass media,
prominent figures,
female athletes,
male sports,
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Acceptance Essays
