I. INTRODUCTION
Thesis
In the twentieth century, lesbianism has worked as a stigma against female athletes. This stigma has contributed to the disparities in gender which are well documented. Women in sports have challenged traditional gender roles and expectations. The inequalities extend to economics, equal pay and awards for tournaments and championships; equality in scholarships for women athletes, media hype and coverage of women’s athletics and professional sports as well as fair treatment. The many psychological and physiological benefits derived from engaging in athletics should not be denied to anyone based on race, age or gender. The stigma that exists unsettles and undermines the power and influence of women involved in sports. …show more content…
At the beginning of the twentieth century the case for dismissing a woman’s desire to play a sport was “curtailed because of the physiological differences between males and females” The issue of appearing unfeminine, manly and behaving in an “unwomanly manner” and “against the laws of nature.” One of the stereotypes of women athletes is that they are more masculine than non-athletes. Curry and Bingham admit that the media has tried, although unsuccessfully, to help remove the stigma, but in the early part of the century, women athletes in the Olympics were gender …show more content…
Women were not introduced to team sports until the 1890’s. For many women at the time, they were only introduced to competitive sports through physical education classes. When women were first introduced to team sports, sports were “...promoted only as educationally healthful exercises”. For most women during this time period, they were confined to the home and to take care of the children. Young girls were confined to playing with dolls and staying inside. It was very hard for girls and women to get out for home and be able to do what they wanted to do. At this time there were few women the dared to step beyond these boundaries and challenge the social norm. “ Regardless of obstacles imposed through sexist societal attitudes, there have been women-pioneer sports heroines- who have dared to defy tradition and perceived propriety to pave the way for great acceptance of today’s sporting women”. Basketball was the first team sport that women engaged in. Sendra Berenson and Clara Gregory Baer deserve the most credit for creating and introducing basketball to women. Berenson and Baer were pioneers of the game of women’s basketball. Sexuality was at the forefront in attracting women to play the game that was founded by James Naismith. These two women even changed the name of the game to
Thesis
In the twentieth century, lesbianism has worked as a stigma against female athletes. This stigma has contributed to the disparities in gender which are well documented. Women in sports have challenged traditional gender roles and expectations. The inequalities extend to economics, equal pay and awards for tournaments and championships; equality in scholarships for women athletes, media hype and coverage of women’s athletics and professional sports as well as fair treatment. The many psychological and physiological benefits derived from engaging in athletics should not be denied to anyone based on race, age or gender. The stigma that exists unsettles and undermines the power and influence of women involved in sports. …show more content…
At the beginning of the twentieth century the case for dismissing a woman’s desire to play a sport was “curtailed because of the physiological differences between males and females” The issue of appearing unfeminine, manly and behaving in an “unwomanly manner” and “against the laws of nature.” One of the stereotypes of women athletes is that they are more masculine than non-athletes. Curry and Bingham admit that the media has tried, although unsuccessfully, to help remove the stigma, but in the early part of the century, women athletes in the Olympics were gender …show more content…
Women were not introduced to team sports until the 1890’s. For many women at the time, they were only introduced to competitive sports through physical education classes. When women were first introduced to team sports, sports were “...promoted only as educationally healthful exercises”. For most women during this time period, they were confined to the home and to take care of the children. Young girls were confined to playing with dolls and staying inside. It was very hard for girls and women to get out for home and be able to do what they wanted to do. At this time there were few women the dared to step beyond these boundaries and challenge the social norm. “ Regardless of obstacles imposed through sexist societal attitudes, there have been women-pioneer sports heroines- who have dared to defy tradition and perceived propriety to pave the way for great acceptance of today’s sporting women”. Basketball was the first team sport that women engaged in. Sendra Berenson and Clara Gregory Baer deserve the most credit for creating and introducing basketball to women. Berenson and Baer were pioneers of the game of women’s basketball. Sexuality was at the forefront in attracting women to play the game that was founded by James Naismith. These two women even changed the name of the game to