The National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) claims that men and women professional teams have equal amounts of talent, cooperate budgets dollars, and the favorable media coverage. Contrary to this statement, research provided by Marianne Bhonslay author of “Women For Sale,” proves that women 's salaries are still well behind those of professional male athletes. The study recorded in a “Women For Sale” demonstrates that a majority of women 's endorsements and sponsorship agreements total only into the mid-six-figure range for top female athletes. This mid-six-figure range can be anywhere between $100,000 to $600,000. While the total of endorsements and sponsorships agreements for the majority of top male athletes’ are double the salaries that women receive. Bhonslay articulates the fact that to this day, “the financial gender gap remains visibly pronounced” (61). Publishers of Gender Equality Women in Sports, Jones and Bartlett once again articulate this sentiment. According to Gender Equality and Women in Sports: “Historically, women have been discriminated against in sports and have not been provided with the same opportunities as men…a vast disparity has existed between men’s and women’s sports” (489). These statics affirm that through their development, professional sports have authorized gender inequality and segregation. How can these leagues support segregation when …show more content…
Sports extend across the dividing lines of age, gender, and ethnicity, allowing the nation to identify with one sport or another. Sports foster relationships, strengthen bonds and even have the power to forge camaraderie and build friendships. Through their participation in sports, people have the ability to make a difference not only in the nation but also in the world. Sports are a universal phenomenon, serving to instill a sense of meaning in many American lives. They can be found to be an imitation of the American culture; they are the reflection of the constantly evolving cultural attitudes and standards. American culture places much value on the impact the athletic profession has on the society. Gender segregation is instilled into the very foundation of professional sports, reflecting an apocryphal American value. Gender desegregation in professional sports can help reshape cultural values and attempt to display the moral and ethical ideals attributed to American culture. Gender integration creates fair and equal opportunities in sports rather than to aiming for equal performance. This author believes that women athletes should be given equal opportunities and salaries. This would lead to a growth of respect for women athletes not only in America but also throughout the