Gender Bias in Sports - Essay Example

Gender Bias in Sports” Gender discrimination has been observed in almost all fields of life. However, in western countries, if the discrimination is exposed it is normally taken in to account. Many steps have been taken to stop this discrimination in employment and other opportunities. On the other hand, there is one field where the sexual discrimination is not supposed to be as hateful as it should be, i.e. Sports. People assume that there are certain sports where it becomes indispensable to discriminate between male and female athletes. However, sports are good for the physical, psychological and physiological health of people not particularly men (Lenskyj, 1991). This paper would further discuss the gender discrimination in sports and the steps taken to resolve this issue. Moreover, it would give some recommendations to stop this discrimination. Sexual discrimination is morally unacceptable in all areas of life. Sports cannot be taken as an exception because everyone has equal rights to all the opportunities. Sports are about giving the victory to the best and the most talented person. Hence, discrimination is totally inappropriate and should be eliminated. Men and women should be given equal rights to compete and each should be awarded and rewarded in the same way. It is impolite to give more attention to male athletes when they win and to give less or no attention and publicity to the female athletes on their victory. This is morally objectionable (Tamburrini & Tännsjö, 2000 p 101). The arguments that are in favor of sexual discrimination in sports should be explained first. People argue that in certain cases (like boxing) female athletes are less likely to perform well than. However, this argument is showing the half picture of the total female athletes. There are women who have the potential to compete and eventually defeat men in such sports. However, this perspective (based on gender bias) confines their willingness and rejects their enthusiasm not on the basis of inadequate required characteristics but on the grounds of gender differences. There may be a great number of women who want to defeat men and their skills may have been polished to give them enough strength and power to achieve what they desire for. But the gender differences and in equality has lowered the chances for women to ever achieve the same position as the men. These restrictions are flawed and carry no importance. Hence, this argument in favor of gender discrimination in sports is ineffectual. Another argument to support gender discrimination is that if female athletes would defeat male athletes there are more chances of aggressive behaviors of men and hence it points towards a great danger for women. For example if some woman defeat man in boxing or any such sport where aggressive behaviors can lead to great losses men athletes are more likely to behave violently in the sports premises to take revenge of their defeat. The argument to counter this situation is that male and female athletes should be kept separate. This recommendation made it impossible for women athletes to prove that they are also able to perform well and they must be given the same treatment as men. Instead of this division in male and female categories, there should be more strict rules imposed on the athletes against aggressive attitudes and performances. This recommendation is better as it would increase the morale of female athletes and would make them more enthusiastic to achieve a distinct status in the sports grounds (Morgan, 2007). One step to stop gender discrimination is the Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972. Title IX outlaws gender discrimination in academics and sports grounds. The result of title IX was remarkable. It increased women’s participation in sports, improved their morale and hence performance and also resulted in some great achievements of the female athletes. Title IX attracted around 2.8 million female athletes in the sports ground by 2001. The training, participation and coaching facilities provided as a result of Title IX has made a great influence on women sporting events. Yet, the sponsorship rewards and awards for women remind them about their inferior position in sports. Male athletes are still given more attention and training (coaching) facilities. Male athletes are given more pay for their participation than female athletes (Champion, 2006). Media, which may give fame or may defame any particular group, thing, sport, news or place, has apparently underrepresented the participation of female athletes in sports. More and more advertisement of male sporting events and less or no consideration to female sporting events have cut off the interest of sponsors, viewers and female athletes to take notice of women sporting events. Women are not only facing difficulties in proving their distinct identity in the sports world but the media misrepresentation is also putting their actual image at a great risk. They are represented as young, slim and sexy women instead of making them known for their professional athletic qualities. Portraying them in their swimming costumes (instead of their sports uniform) and interviewing them about their marriages and personal issues make it more difficult for women to prove their existence in the sports world as great athletes. Media represents them as a symbol of fashion or beauty. Their image is spoiled by making scandals in the context of drugs involving their husbands (International Herald Tribune). Women participation in The Olympics has been increasing gradually. The first attempt was made in 1900 but discrimination prevails. The 2000 games in Sydney had 38.2% of female participation, who were participating in around 44% of the competitions (DK publishing, 2004). Moreover, the statistics of Athens Games 2004 show that 40.6% of the total participants were female athletes. Further more, from 1991 onwards, any new sport which is planned to be included as a part of Olympic Games has to create provision for women’s events (Eastman & Billings, 1999). Regardless of making laws and rules, the discrimination still exists. However, the only difference which has been observed is that now, the discrimination is now hidden. The picture is better than before but it still is not unbiased. There are many more steps which are yet not considered. There is a need to impose a duty of care on the people portraying the athlete’s as sex objects. Media should be given strict guidelines to follow. There is a need to properly fund the female athletes and treat them as an asset for the country. They should not be treated as inferior or substandard on the basis of their gender. All statistics and judgments should be passed on the basis of their performance. Moreover, women athletes should be given the same coaching and training facilities like men. Salaries of the athletes must be equal no matter what the gender is. Lower salaries and less training and coaching facilities may not only affect their performance but also would reduce the morale. The misrepresentation by media also discourages the confidence of new athletes. In conclusion, it can be said that there have been a lot emphasis to end up the discrimination based on racial, gender and religious basis. However, the discrimination still exists. This continuing discrimination is due to the discriminating views which prevail in the society. Although sexual discrimination has been reduced on the official level, yet the society does not accept women equivalent to men. Sports still is taken as a field for men. This view may be a result of media representation of female athletes as a part of gossip, fashion and glamour. Female athletes are still taken for granted. There is a lot to do in order to provide female athletes their real position. There is a need to some more support and appreciation for them. And most importantly, there is a need to give them the same respect, rewards and place as men. Bibliography: International Herald Tribune, 29 April 2004, No. 37679. Torr, J. D. (2005). Sports and athletes: Opposing viewpoints. Detroit: Greenhaven Press. Champion, T. M. (2006). Title IX: Impact of gender equity on female athletes in intercollegiate athletics. Thesis (Ed.D.)--Saint Louis University, 2006. Lenskyj, H. (1991). Women, sport and physical activity: Research and bibliography. [Ottawa]: Minister of Supply and Services Canada. Morgan, W. J. (2007). Ethics in sport. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics. Tamburrini, C. M., & Tännsjö, T. (2000). Values in sport Elitism, nationalism, gender equality, and the scientific manufacturing of winners. London: E & FN Spon. DK Publishing, Inc. (2004). The Olympic games. London: DK Pub. Eastman, S., & Billings, A. (1999). Gender Parity in the Olympics: Hyping Women Athletes, Favoring Men Athletes. Journal of Sport & Social Issues. 23 (2), 140-170. Read More