The challenges that women have faced in sports participation has changed and evolved over time.
- Firstly women were perceived as the fragile sex and physically unable to compete in certain sports
- Secondly women were not paid the same amount of money as their male counterparts in professional sports.
- More recently the sexulisation of women in sport.
History of Women's particiation in elite sport
The female stereotype of the fairer, fragile, weaker frame dictated that women were encouraged to play sports such as croquet and lawn bowls . The more demanding sports were left to demonstrate the typical stereotype of the male where strength and masculinity were on display.
Restrictions also existed on how, where and when they could take part in sport, as it wasn't acceptable to sweat, or dress certain ways in front of males. In the early 1900's females were not allowed swim in the presence of males.
Restrictions also existed on how, where and when they could take part in sport, as it wasn't acceptable to sweat, or dress certain ways in front of males. In the early 1900's females were not allowed swim in the presence of males.
Progression of time has see the Olympics allow more and more woman's' sports to be included in the program and in today's games they match their male counterparts in events.
SWIMMING
Fanny Durack became first woman to win a gold medal for swimming at an Olympic Games. She took gold at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics where she set a world record and, from 1910 to 1918, she dominated the record books from 100 metres to the mile marathon. WORKBOOK TASK: Complete the table on Fanny and her achievements
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WORKBOOK TASK: create a timeline from 1900- today showing the development of woman's sport through out the 20th century.
Today...........
The barriers of what is acceptable sport for women to play have diminished as many women engage in the same activities as their male counterparts, today men and women compete at elite levels in many major sporting championships.
HOWEVER.................................
WORKBOOK TASK: Answer the following questions to give your thoughts and opinions on this matter
- In your opinion what other sports are labelled as woman sports?
- Why do you think these sports get labelled this way. (are the rules and skills different between football and woman's football)
- Do you agree/disagree that they should be labelled that way?
- Say why you agree/ disagree.
Women and in sport participation for fitness
Today women have access to the same sports as men yet women are more likely to be insufficiently active [59% compared to 50% for men] and less likely to play sport. AusPlay data shows that 52% of Australian women and 68% of girls regularly participate in sport related activities.
WORKBOOK TASK: What are some barriers that Women may experience today in particiapting in sport
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WORKBOOK TASK: Use the link to list the top activities that women engage in
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Inequity in sport
When it comes to professionalism within these sports a gap still exists between the male and female versions Where media coverage and pay equality are often brought to the fore front of discussion.
A study in 2010 showed that of all sport-related coverage in the Australian media, only 9% related to women’s sport. Many sport people have a fan base and are looked upon as role models . Without this representation in the media there are fewer female sports hero's and lesser opportunities for female athletes to attract money and sponsors.
A study in 2010 showed that of all sport-related coverage in the Australian media, only 9% related to women’s sport. Many sport people have a fan base and are looked upon as role models . Without this representation in the media there are fewer female sports hero's and lesser opportunities for female athletes to attract money and sponsors.
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Sexulaisation of Woman in sport
In a world were people are judged by their looks, the sporting world is no different. It is well known that the benefits of sport and exercise allow a toned muscular, attractive body but this should not mean that women's bodies should become the focus of the competition.
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“Does it matter what a female athlete wears to compete in her sport”