Gender Equity in Sports - Research Paper Example

Gender Equity in Sports Introduction Title IX involves regulations and policies were enacted to provide physical education teachers with a framework for implementing and promoting equitable physical education programs to reverse past trends of gender inequality. The policy and regulations have attained significant improvement in promoting gender equality, particularly in high schools and institutions of higher education. However, commitment to gender equity in the area of sports is generally weak in the society. This calls for improved social responsibility in the society towards promoting gender balance not only through policy compliance but also under a more moral approach. The Title IX enactment saw advancement and improvement of physical education equality in a legal perspective, which could only remain relevant in federal institutions. More so, the law focuses on a teacher perspective in physical education program, and overlooks the student perspective bearing societal perspectives at large (Hutchinson Para. 4). Title IX The Title IX regulation and policy educational amendment was enacted in 1972 to prohibit sex discrimination in sports after which Title IX regulations were approved in 1975 and issued to high schools and colleges for compliance within three years. In 1979 The Home Entertainment World issued Title IX and intercollegiate athletics policy interpretation to focus on each institution’s compliance to IX regulations. In 1994 the Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act was put in place to require sponsors of intercollegiate athletics and co-institutions of higher education to disclose certain information regarding intercollegiate athletics program. However, in 2002 groups representing male athletes, such as the National Wrestling Coaches Association, US Track Coaches Association and College Gymnastics Association, filed a suit against Title IX regulations and policies regarding them as unconstitutional. The year 2011 marked the advancement of sports equity to those protecting all students and athletes from sexual violence and harassment. It is clear that gender equity and biasness not only manifest themselves more evidently in the educational environment but also at an individual level where backgrounds and unique needs of individuals are not catered for. Moral and legal framework has failed to put in place regulating measures to such equity issues, as well as problems related to sexual harassment and violence. Title IX has particularly gone a long way in ensuring that relevant legal and moral framework exists in physical education to aid towards equity attainment alongside diversity (Kathryn Para. 4). The Title IX has evidently achieved results for the four decades with significant increases in girls and women participation in sport being recorded. However, there has been much opposition to the enactment among groups of men with regards to quality and fitness in sports being compromised by such girls and women participation enforcement. Many claims have come about against gender equality in sports with particular emphasis alluding to the fact that girls and women participation in sports goes against the women’s role in the society. The policy has however gone a long way in creating opportunities for women to participate in sports with women’s movement being on the forefront. Through the women’s movement, the Title IX was enacted 1972 in support of the movement in the United States. The law states that “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance” (Boxill 254). Gender equality in sports has not only increased female participation in sports but has assisted alleviate girls and women to better chance and opportunities in the society. According to Parker-Pope (Para 8), the girl child involvement in sports has significantly helped to increase better performance in both school and the work environment. Better performance in school work and even work later in life can be directly attributed to sports participation in both women and men. More to education and work environment performance, studies have it that participation in sports promotes healthy living with particular reference to obesity and weight related health complications. However, gender equality in sports was often more a legal issue and it had become deep rooted in the society with not only men discriminating against women but also fellow women discriminating against female participants. Girls and women faced discrimination almost and areas of sports with social stereotypes taking the better part of the society’s perception to sports. Perceptions in the society went beyond attaching female participation in sports to lesbianism and even biologically unfit with claims alluding to girl’s reproductive organs being at risk in such endeavors. Perceptions and believes not only promoted gender inequality in sports but also promoted low self esteem among women in the area of sports. Title IX regulations and policies have achieved tremendous results in promoting positive perceptions and participations esteem among girls and women in sports. The society in general is coming to acceptance that women are equally eligible as men in the area of sports although isolated opposition remains evident among men. This remains evident with associations representing men filing suits against the Title IX legislation (Winslow Para. 3). Girls and women have continually been discriminated against with respect to racism, homophobia, prejudice, and ridicule of their participation in the area of sports and physical education. The society has placed heterosexual claims on women participating in sports as a means of satisfying same sex attractions. The society at large has also placed hostile and negative judgment and treatment to women participating in sporting activities with a lot of ridicule being directed their way both in sports and outside the sports environment (Coonan Para. 10). Gender equality in sports in the present day have embraced new societal promotion strategies such as Katherine Switzer’s case which alludes its objective women to empower themselves in the line of fitness. The strategy aims to create sporting opportunities for women all over the world through walking and running irrespective of a woman’s age and physical fitness abilities. The challenge to women encompass a variety of programs that include reducing stress, losing weight, become a dynamic athlete able to compete, and even seeking to improve one’s cardiovascular health. Conclusion The present day sports has widely embraced gender equality issues however, social challenges still remains a hindrance to female participation with regards to existing social structures. Although attitudes and perceptions have shifted towards supporting and approving women participation in sports positively, social structures have not been consistent with this trends. Gender responsibilities and privileges have failed to place emphasizes on social integration and inclusion of women and girls in support and motivating of their participation in the area of sports. Works Cited Boxill, Jan. Sports Ethics: An Anthology. Blackwell Publishing Company. 2003. Print. Coonan, Kris. Sexual Prejudice: Understanding Homophobia and Heterosexism, Biphobia and Transphobia. University of Queensland. 2008. Web. 25 February 2012. http://www.changelingaspects.com/Articles/Sexual%20Prejudice.htm Davis, Kathryn L. “Teaching for Gender Equity in Physical Education: A Review of the Literature.” Women in Sport & Physical Activity Journal. 2003. Web. 25 February 2012. http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-112542450/teaching-gender-equity-physical.html Gayle, Hutchinson. “Gender-Fair Teaching in Physical Education.” The Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, Vol. 66, 1995. Web. 25 February 2012. http://www.questia.com/googleScholar.qst?docId=5002219087 Parker-Pope, Tara. “As Girls Become Women, Sports Pay Dividends.” The New York Times. 2010. Web. 25 February 2012. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/16/health/16well.html Winslow, Barbara. The Impact of Title IX. The Historian’s Perspective. 2010. Web. 25 February 2012. http://www.gilderlehrman.org/historynow/03_2010/historian6.php Read More