Feminine Fouls: The Impact of Gender Roles on Women’s Sports
Studying sports through an anthropological lens allows for the assessment of cultural influences and their impacts on individuals. When reviewing literature, I found that when women participate in sports, traditional gender roles are often challenged, as female athletes might not conform to stereotypical feminine characteristics. Historically, sports have affirmed masculine qualities and emphasized the male body, resulting in Women’s sports being viewed as less important. Women also have less access to quality resources and financial support in sports which affects the level of play as well as the retention of young athletes. The lack of media coverage Women’s sports receive also contributes to inequalities as it inhibits exposure of these activities and subsequently the development of strong fan bases. Women who play sports are often critiqued on their appearance and their sexuality is often scrutinized. Women of color face an even more challenging landscape, as intersectionality creates a layered experience that affects their performance as athletes. In this study, I analyzed select sports ethnographies and the relevant anthropological literature. Additionally, I used anonymous data collected from female athletes in the SLU community to examine the effects that gender roles have on athletes. I found that, overall, the current climate limits the full potential of female athletes by restricting them to stereotypical roles and reinforcing hegemonic beliefs about gender which result in portraying Women’s sports as inferior and unimportant. However, sport does not have to continue to look like this and I suggest solutions based on the literature.
Emily Albers
Emily is a graduating senior from St. Louis, MO. She is majoring in Anthropology with minors in Biology and Urban Poverty Studies on the pre-PA track. After graduation, she plans on taking a gap year before applying to PA school. During her time at SLU she has been a part of the Micah program, the club basketball team, American Medical Women's Association, and has been a manager for the Women's basketball team. She would like to give a big thank you to her faculty mentor Dr. Katherine MacKinnon and the Anthropology Department for supporting her and making this project possible.
Dr. Katherine MacKinnon was extremely helpful and influential in the development of this presentation. Dr. MacKinnon's insight into writing research and knowledge in anthropology proved invaluable. Her constant enthusiasm and passion for anthropology has inspired not only this project but her students as well. Dr. MacKinnon's work in gender and sexuality through an anthropological lens was essential to this work. The advice and guidance from Dr. MacKinnon has made this presentation possible. Thank you!