When looking at the sociology of sports, I found that sociological theories of Karl Marks and of Feminism present the most useful perspective. Statistics show that there is gender inequality among many sporting disciplines in the United States, affecting not only women but also men. Also, there is a vast exploitation in the sporting industry, making a profit of sportsmen and consumers. Moreover, gender inequality and exploitation overlap in numerous sporting disciplines. In this piece, I will present the evidence to support my observations. First, considering the feminist theory, I have found that the gender inequality gap widens as the progression is made from high school, to college and to professional sports and athletics. The National
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For the purpose of this paper, I will be examining the statistics in professional team sports. One example of gender inequality in the above mentioned category, is professional basketball. According to the NCAA, in 2015, out of college basketball players, NBA drew 12% male athletes, while only 4% of female athletes got to move on to a professional category. The reasons behind this great proportion appear to be driven by the same object that motivates college board, professional sports is a well known money making industry. Team owners would not keep a team that does not bring profit. I do not recall an obsession about a female football or baseball team or their players; so far there has been no money in the business of many female team sports. Statistics presented in an article by Maya Dusenbery and Jaeah Lee, show that most of the air time is dominated by male sports. Few sports do present exceptions to the rule, however, it have been recently brought to the light, that among such sports, another issues exist. Female athletes in team sports get paid less than men, with some being paid only for winning a match (Das). It is also known that cheerleaders do not get paid for their performances. The inequality seems to get broader the more money come into play. Finally, other factors involving sports touch the issue of feminism, such as the behavior of men associated with watching team sports including drinking and domestic
For the purpose of this paper, I will be examining the statistics in professional team sports. One example of gender inequality in the above mentioned category, is professional basketball. According to the NCAA, in 2015, out of college basketball players, NBA drew 12% male athletes, while only 4% of female athletes got to move on to a professional category. The reasons behind this great proportion appear to be driven by the same object that motivates college board, professional sports is a well known money making industry. Team owners would not keep a team that does not bring profit. I do not recall an obsession about a female football or baseball team or their players; so far there has been no money in the business of many female team sports. Statistics presented in an article by Maya Dusenbery and Jaeah Lee, show that most of the air time is dominated by male sports. Few sports do present exceptions to the rule, however, it have been recently brought to the light, that among such sports, another issues exist. Female athletes in team sports get paid less than men, with some being paid only for winning a match (Das). It is also known that cheerleaders do not get paid for their performances. The inequality seems to get broader the more money come into play. Finally, other factors involving sports touch the issue of feminism, such as the behavior of men associated with watching team sports including drinking and domestic