StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...
Free

Case Study on Gender Discrimination - Research Paper Example

Cite this document
Summary
Female athletes trained vigorously and developed more beefy or muscular built and, even though brawny females had constantly participated in the Olympics, the gender of these females was questioned by the 1960s (Woolum, 1998, 52)…
Download full paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER94.5% of users find it useful
Case Study on Gender Discrimination
Read Text Preview

Extract of sample "Case Study on Gender Discrimination"

?Running Head: Case Study on Gender Discrimination Case Study on Gender Discrimination A Presentation of Gender Verification Performed on a Jane Doe Name Course Title Name of Professor Date of Submission Introduction With greater and improved training and preparation opportunities, the performances of female athletes got better considerably over those of their male counterparts. Female athletes trained vigorously and developed more beefy or muscular built and, even though brawny females had constantly participated in the Olympics, the gender of these females was questioned by the 1960s (Woolum, 1998, 52). In order to deal with the issue, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1968 launched a sex-testing initiative “to protect women against unfair competition” (Woolum, 1998, 52). The sex-testing program was initiated due to the belief on the superiority of males in sports: female athletes would be at a disadvantaged position over their male counterparts in men’s events, and male athletes taking part in women’s competitions would have an undeniable advantage; hence, female athletes must be safeguarded against male athletes participating in their competitions. Hence, all athletes participating in women’s competitions should be subjected to various tests to identify and make sure of the athlete’s sex. This essay presents a case study of a fictional female athlete undergoing sex test prior to participation in the Olympic games. This female athlete is currently the fastest woman in the world. She achieved world fame due to her feats in track and field. However, suspicions about her true sex arose because of her masculine physical appearance, movements, and voice. Physical Description of the Athlete and Brief Notes about her Performance Jane Doe is 27 years old with a height of 5ft and 7 in and weight of 80 lbs. Her event is 100m sprint. She is single and professes to be a virgin. She says she has not dated any man and did not experience having any boyfriend. She is muscular but noticeably thin. She has short hair. She has very small breasts and no underarm and facial hair. She has a flat abdomen but large muscle formation around the thighs and legs, which is expected of a track and field athlete. She won 35 gold in track and field. She ran the 100 meters in 13 seconds in Madison Square Garden; won a gold medal for Sydney in the Olympics in the 50-yard dash with a first-time record of 12 seconds; and completed 100 yards in 9 seconds. Because of these remarkable performances, Jane Doe became a household name. For 6 years, she won more than 200 medals in important track-and-field competitions. Tests Performed on Jane Doe and Results of the Tests In Jane Doe’s sex test, the examiners obtained cell samples from her cheek’s mucous membrane, or also called ‘buccal smear’, then stain them and check them up for Barr bodies. If the subject is a female, with XX chromosomes, the bodies will appear, resulting in a positive result (Schaffer & Smith, 2000, 135). If uncertainties exist, examiners will scan cells not for Barr bodies, but for the lack of Y chromatin. In the case of Jane Doe, the examiners stain the cells and study them thoroughly. The elongated section of the Y-chromosome comes into view as a clear stain. If this stain did not appear, Jane Doe will be allowed to take part in the competitions. The result for these two tests is both positive, which confirms Jane Doe’s femininity. But the application of these tests became very controversial. Some scholars claim that sex chromatin testing does not identify females with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic disorder (Evelyn, 2011). Jane Doe was hence examined for the said disorder. It was found out that she has it. She has 22 pairs of autosomes and a pair of X-chromosomes, the normal chromosomal balance in females, yet has an unusual muscle power and masculine physique (Sullivan, 2011). This disorder is caused by a genetic biochemical deficiency that affects the adrenal glands abnormally, making it incapable of transforming progesterone into cortisol; the progesterone in such a case is processed somewhere else into androgens, the male hormones (Turnbull, 1988, 63). As stated by Albert de la Chapelle, “There is little double that congenital adrenal hyperplasia accounts for many, if not most, congenitally hypermuscular women” (Turnbull, 1988, 63). These women, just like Jane Doe, would have an advantage over other female athletes, but still meet the criteria of the sex test. The core weakness of sex chromatin testing is that it identifies the smallest level of significant criteria of sex in this area, specifically, chromosomal sex, according to Chapelle. He further stated that “What determines whether an individual should be allowed to compete in the women’s events is mainly psychosocial (appearance and behavior) and secondary sexual characteristics (muscles and body)” (Turnbull, 1988, 63). Thus, instead of sex chromatin test, he endorsed a mixture of hormone examinations, uncomplicated assessment of physical appearance and physique, and a psychological appraisal of gender identity. And so, in order to confirm the results of the sex chromatin test performed on Jane Doe, the examiners conducted a thorough physical evaluation and psychological assessment. The physical examination that looks at anatomical differences between males and females is quite simple (Cavanagh & Sykes, 2006). The gynecologist searched in Jane Doe the primary and secondary sex features related to femininity, such as chest and facial hair, menstrual condition, and female genitalia. The results show that Jane Doe has no facial hair but has thin chest hair; her menstrual cycle is irregular, occurring only twice a year; and her female sex organ is fully developed and has thin hair. However, even though the examination is simple, the interpretation of the results is very difficult. As stated earlier, females may be born with genetic disorders or anatomical defects; the menstrual cycle of female athletes may also be abnormal due to insufficient body fat; and facial, underarm, and chest hair are not a definite difference between females and males, merely a common indicator. Hence, the examiners afterward performed a blood test. The blood test is primarily trying to verify particular physiological distinctions between females and males. The laboratory test on Jane Doe will look at relevant or certain sex hormone levels. Females normally have more estrogen, whereas males normally have more testosterone (Cavanagh & Sykes, 2006). Apparently, both females and males have both estrogen and testosterone, and there are no definite principles for the extent estrogen and testosterone identifies a female. According to the blood test, Jane Doe has more estrogen than testosterone, which qualifies her as ‘female’. It is inconclusive what function the psychological assessment serves in verifying femininity, even though its addition means that individual gender identity, or the way a person views her/himself as regards to his/her sexuality, is considered in a sex test (Sullivan, 2011). Symptom-based structured interview has become more and more widespread over the recent decade. The psychological examination of Jane Doe gives detailed account of a gender identity structured interview that could be applicable to individuals recommended clinically for gender identity problems. Individuals who satisfy the diagnostic standards for gender identity disorder (GID) normally exhibit a range of noticeable cross-gender role attitudes and actions and frequently express the longing to be part of the opposite sex (Zucker et al., 1993). Furthermore, there is a dislike of or recoiling from gender role attitudes pertinent to their own sex. According to the results, there was an observed cross-gender role behavior in Jane Doe. She exhibits masculine facial gestures and body movements. In order to confirm these initial psychological findings, the examiners conducted the structured interview with Jane Doe. All questions were ranked on a 3-point scale. A 0 was given if Jane Doe responded to a concrete question rightly or exhibited a supposedly normal response. A 1 was given if Jane Doe gave a vague answer. A 2 was given if Jane Doe gave answers that were supposedly unexpected or abnormal. Some of the questions asked are (as adapted from the study of Zucker et al (1993, 447-448): (1) Are you a female or a male? (2) Are there any things that you dislike about being a female? (3) Do you think it is better to be a female or a male? (4) In your mind, do you ever think that you would like to be a male? (5) Do you ever feel more like a male than a female? (6) Do you ever think that you really are a male? According to the results, most of Jane Doe’s answers to the above questions scored a 2. For the first question, she answered female, with certainty (scored 0). For the second question, she answered that she has numerous aversions to being a female. She said that being a female athlete puts her at a disadvantage in competitions. Although she is a female she is viewed as a ‘male’ because of her physical appearance. She feels maligned, degraded, and discriminated every time her true sex is put into question. She admitted that being a female is a weakness in her field. She wishes to be a male (scored 2). For the third question, her answer is definite: it is better to be a male than a female (scored 2). For the fourth question, her answer is definite: she would like to be male (scored 2). For the fifth question, she said that even though she looks like and acts like a male she still feels more like a female than a male (scored 0). For the sixth question, she said that at times she feels she is really a male but there are times she wants to express her femininity (scored 1). Final Decision The panel concludes that Jane Doe should be allowed to join the competition as a female athlete. She passed the three tests, namely, sex chromatin test, physical examination, and blood tests. The results for these three tests unquestionably show that Jane Doe is biologically female. However, the result of the psychological examination was quite questionable. Jane Doe apparently exhibits masculine behavior and attitude, and it was revealed in her responses to the structured interview that she is quite resolved to become a male. However, there is some irony in her answers. Even though she certainly wants to be a male she also professes her longing to express her femininity. Nevertheless, the panel ruled that since Jane Doe passed most of the tests she will be allowed to compete as a female athlete. References Cavanagh, S. & Sykes, H. (2006). Transsexual Bodies at the Olympics: The International Olympic Committee’s Policy on Transsexual Athletes at the 2004 Athens Summer Games. Body & Society, 12(3), 75-102. Evelyn, C. (2011). Gender Verification in Sports. New York: International Book Marketing Service Limited. Schaffer, K. & Smith, S. (2000). The Olympics at the Millennium: Power, Politics, and the Games. Sydney: Rutgers University Press. Sullivan, C. (2011). Gender Verification and Gender Policies in Elite Sport: Eligibility and Fair Play. Journal of Sport & Social Issues, 35(4), 400-419. Turnbull, A. (1988). Woman Enough for the Games. New Scientists, no. 1630, pp. 61-64. Woolum, J. (1998). Outstanding Women Athletes: Who They Are and How They Influenced Sports in America. Phoenix, Arizona: Greenwood Publishing Group. Zucker, K. et al. (1993). A Gender Identity Interview for Children. Journal of Personality Assessment, 61(3), 443-456. Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(“Case Study on Gender Discrimination Research Paper”, n.d.)
Retrieved from https://studentshare.org/gender-sexual-studies/1450831-case-study-on-gender-discrimination
(Case Study on Gender Discrimination Research Paper)
https://studentshare.org/gender-sexual-studies/1450831-case-study-on-gender-discrimination.
“Case Study on Gender Discrimination Research Paper”, n.d. https://studentshare.org/gender-sexual-studies/1450831-case-study-on-gender-discrimination.
  • Cited: 0 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF Case Study on Gender Discrimination

Anti Discrimination Law

discrimination is strictly condemned and discouraged everywhere in Europe.... The writer of the paper "Anti-discrimination Law" analyzes what difficulties have the 'comparator approach' to direct discrimination presented in achieving a more equal society in the UK.... hellip; “Any court or tribunal adjudicating on a direct discrimination case must consider whether the claimant has been treated 'less favorably' on the prohibited grounds…the search for a comparator can be over-emphasized, and whilst it can be useful in some cases, in others it can lead to a sterile line of inquiry....
12 Pages (3000 words) Case Study

Discriminations in Apartment Complexes

This is because the facts and evidences given by Square Deal Housing are true and what peters say also seems to be… Hence, I had several questions while working on this case and they included: This case has provided very significant information regarding racial discrimination.... The useful information is that there is racial discrimination in the operations of many of the city's That is, African Americans trying to rent an apartment can expect to encounter race discrimination at nearly one-third of the city's apartment complexes, according to a city-funded study....
1 Pages (250 words) Case Study

Raising the Ante

The level of gender discrimination needs to be analysed at a broader level Raising the Ante Question One As a member of the board within the firm there is need to engage in a proper investigation process in order to fully understand the issue before taking any action.... The level of gender discrimination needs to be analysed at a broader level in order to analyse the issue at a broader perspective.... The suffering of these women in relation to gender discrimination is important to be evaluated (Shaw, 419)....
2 Pages (500 words) Case Study

The Case of Discrimination

This paper "The Case of discrimination" discusses whether or not Ruth Kelly was subjected to discrimination by the Housing department and the important aspects that must be taken into consideration while considering the circumstance of the case is as follows: was the interview panel sexist, etc.... hellip; In view of all the above factors, it appears that Ruth has a good case to approach the Tribunal on a case of indirect sex discrimination and harassment....
8 Pages (2000 words) Case Study

Women Discrimination

This study attempted to determine the most important and influential factors that have significant impacts on overall gender discrimination.... This paper "Women discrimination" discusses different aspects of the discrimination that are faced by women in different countries of the globe, specifically, Pakistan.... It has been observed that for decades, women are confronting discrimination in various fields, such as education, marriage, etc....
9 Pages (2250 words) Case Study

Cultural and Ethnic Discrimination

The UN Secretary-General defines discrimination as “any act or conduct which denies to certain individuals equality of treatment with other individuals because they belong to a particular group in society” and this may take the form of cultural and ethnic discrimination, racial discrimination and gender discrimination (American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2002).... The case study "Cultural and Ethnic discrimination " states that A Philippine hero once referred to a social concern as an illness, social cancer to be specific....
8 Pages (2000 words) Case Study

Discrimination of Female Nurses in High Positions by Males

This paper ''discrimination of Female Nurses in High Positions by Males'' tells that The study of man and how he interacts with those around him has long been a discourse that has captured scientists' attention for centuries.... More importantly, these differences then stimulate ethnocentrism, which then also leads to more discrimination or discrepancy.... Although some changes have been observed in recent years, studies and other resources continue to report women's discrimination, especially among nurses vying for higher positions....
8 Pages (2000 words) Case Study

Race, Gender and Class in Classrooms

This paper "Race, gender and Class in Classrooms" discusses teachers who need to ensure that their classrooms are innovative to deal with all aspects of the dynamics of learning.... Teachers have the duty to ensure educational equity regardless of gender, race, or class.... Race, gender, and class in the classroom can be understood through social inequality that is experienced by a variety of social groups at a structural, group, and individual level....
8 Pages (2000 words) Case Study
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us