KNES 481 Exam 3 Essay Questions: Olympic Gender Inclusion: Coubertin, Myths, and Reforms

What was Coubertin's ideology regarding women's inclusion in sports?

He excluded women, calling events 'improper,' and his logic rejected partial inclusion, entrenching bans like the 1928 800m removal.

Why did Coubertin oppose women's participation in the Olympics?

He believed women couldn't match men's records and that organizers couldn't handle doubled costs or scheduling.

What is the 'frailty myth' and how did it impact women's Olympic participation?

It claimed women were too weak for endurance events, restricting them to short sprints until 1960.

How did medical discourse reinforce exclusion of women in sports?

Officials used pseudo-science about reproductive danger to justify bans, embedding inequality in Olympic policy.

How did Coubertin's exclusionary stance compare with later IOC reforms on gender?

Coubertin rejected women outright, while later IOC reforms admitted female members and added events like the marathon.

What was the significance of the 1984 women's marathon in Olympic history?

It symbolized endurance capability and IOC reform, fulfilling the universalist claim to serve 'youth of the world.'

How do media portrayals of female athletes undermine IOC equality reforms?

Coverage emphasized attractiveness and relationships, reinforcing stereotypes and limiting progress.

How did Brundage's amateurism stance differ from Samaranch's commercialization?

Brundage resisted money, while Samaranch embraced TV and sponsorship to secure IOC finances.

How did LA84 reshape Olympic economics?

By using existing venues and producing a surplus, it proved the Games could be profitable.

Why was amateurism considered elitist?

It privileged wealthy athletes who could afford to compete without pay, excluding working-class athletes.

How did Booth's 'gift culture' thesis explain IOC scandals?

Gifts created obligations disguised as etiquette, making corruption systemic.

How did Agenda 2020 reforms align with LA's bid for the Olympics?

IOC emphasized sustainability and existing venues, which aligned perfectly with LA's model.

How does esports reflect generational change in sport?

Esports connect with Gen Z via streaming and gaming culture, requiring IOC adaptation.

How did Berlin 1936 and Beijing 2008 serve as political showcases?

Berlin promoted Nazi ideology, while Beijing showcased modernization but faced human rights criticism.

How do hosting costs and profits reveal inequality in the Olympics?

IOC and sponsors profit while host cities bear debt and displacement costs.

How have athletes used the Olympics to resist inequality?

Athletes like Smith and Carlos protested civil rights, and women runners resisted exclusion.

How does universalism mask inequality in Olympic history?

The IOC excluded women and marginalized groups while claiming to serve 'youth of the world.'

What role did media play in the inclusion of the women's marathon?

Media coverage emphasized femininity to normalize participation while balancing athletic feats.

What did Gabriela Andersen-Schiess's 1984 finish symbolize?

Her finish, despite staggering from dehydration, showed equality includes enduring exhaustion.

What progress has the IOC made on gender equality in governance?

First female members were admitted in 1981; now nearly half are women.

How did Cold War politics influence sex-testing in the Olympics?

Sex-testing policed female bodies, reinforcing stereotypes under the guise of fairness.

What were the consequences of Samaranch's revenue strategies?

Centralized TV deals and sponsorship led to financial success but also gigantism and corruption.

How did the IOC's attitude toward money shift after TV revenue?

Brundage resisted commercialization, but Samaranch embraced long-term deals for financial security.

How did Berlin 1936's broadcast shape Olympic history?

It was the first live broadcast, used as Nazi propaganda, showing media's power.

Why did amateurism collapse in the Olympics?

State-supported athletes and under-the-table payments undermined fairness.

How did Avery Brundage defend amateurism?

He opposed commercialization and insisted on amateur ideals.

How did 'gift creep' escalate corruption in the IOC?

Gifts evolved from souvenirs to cash and luxury, normalizing obligation.

How did IOC reforms address corruption?

They expelled members, limited visits and gifts, and aligned with anti-bribery frameworks.

What was the evolution of LA's bid for the 2028 Olympics?

LA refined its strategy with sustainability and guarantees after losing previous bids.

What did LA do to win the 2028 bid?

They emphasized existing venues, sustainability, and youth legacy programs.

How did Ready, Set, Gold! strengthen LA's bid?

It paired Olympians with students, showing commitment to youth health and legacy.

Should esports be included in the Olympics?

IOC supports active esports but rejects violent titles, connecting with Gen Z.

How does esports challenge IOC definitions of sport?

It raises questions of physicality and youth culture, requiring a balance with tradition.

How did Berlin 1936 use the Olympics for political propaganda?

Nazi Germany staged the Games to showcase Aryan strength while masking persecution.

How did Moscow 1980 reflect Cold War politics?

The U.S. boycott over the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan turned the Games into an ideological battleground.

How did Beijing 2008 use the Olympics for image politics?

China showcased modernization but faced criticism over human rights.

Who profits from hosting the Olympics?

IOC and sponsors gain most revenue, while host cities bear costs.

How do the Olympics contribute to gentrification?

Construction projects displace residents and raise rents.

What controversies surround Olympic construction labor?

Workers are often imported, underpaid, or unsafe; local labor is excluded.

How do the Olympics address homelessness?

Hosts remove visible homelessness to present a 'clean' image, criticized as human rights violations.

How have athletes used the Olympics as a platform for protest?

Athletes like Smith and Carlos raised fists for civil rights, challenging inequality.

How did Cold War women athletes resist stereotypes?

Communist women displayed strength, forcing a reevaluation of gender roles.

How did the road to the first women's marathon reflect universalism and equality?

Activists proved endurance, media reassured femininity, and sponsors funded circuits, culminating in IOC approval.