MF

Sept 24 - Sex, Gender, and Sexuality

Importance of the Topic

  • Sports highlight norms, stereotypes, equality, and discrimination.

  • Female athletes are often deprived of resources and respect.

  • The 2SLGBTQIA+ community also faces discrimination in sports.

Clarifying Terms

Sex

  • Classification based on reproductive capacities.

  • Generally recognized as male and female.

Gender

  • Cultural expectations for behaviors and appearances related to sex.

  • Exists on a broad spectrum, not a binary classification.

Biological Determinism

  • Premise that biology dictates outcomes in sports.

  • Example: Assertion that physical differences, like testosterone levels, dictate contact sport participation.

Social Constructionism

  • Challenges biological determinism by highlighting variability of gender roles across cultures and time.

  • Gender is defined by social contexts rather than biology.

Historical Context

  • Sports historically viewed as male domains; women were secondary figures (e.g., Pierre de Coubertin’s view on women in the Olympics).

  • Sports have shaped masculinity ideals.

Hegemonic Masculinity

  • Refers to the idealized form of masculinity in sports.

  • Influences public perception of athleticism and masculinity.

Research Insights

  • Sports seen as defining masculinity in society.

  • Male students use sports to safeguard their masculine reputation against bullying.

Female Athletes and Media Representation

  • Sports media focuses on the “Big Four,” with minimal coverage of women’s sports (1.3% - 1.6%).

  • Women athletes often portrayed in sexualized manners, overshadowing their achievements.

  • Coverage tends to focus on their femininity rather than athleticism.

Gender Stereotypes in Sports

  • Perceptions that some sports are more suitable for one sex over the other (e.g., football vs. gymnastics).

  • Messaging conveys limitations on women’s capabilities in sports.

Sex Segregation in Sports

  • Debate on fairness vs. physical differences in sports.

  • Historical examples show shifts in sports policy, like Olympic shooting rules evolving for inclusivity.

The Transformation of Women's Sport

  • Ongoing advancements toward equality and recognition for female athletes.

  • Issues surrounding transgender athletes and the inclusivity within sports.

Acts of Violence and Discrimination

  • Notable incidents of discrimination, including exclusion of athletes based on sexual orientation.

  • The need for a more inclusive environment in mainstream sports media.