Is Football Just For Males - Essay Example

Is Football Just For Males In an era of female activism, the low rate of involvement of women in Football has raised questions as to whether Football is a game that for the males only. The modern society has put a lot of effort in constructing the female identity in a society where women have remained suppressed. Although women have participated in physical games such as netball, basketball and the baseball, few have enrolled into the football clubs. Many scholars argue that the reason why females are not involved in Football is that it demands both mental and physical toughness if one has to succeed, and this is what misses out in women. However, it is clear that there is increased involvement of women in other physical activities not only in sports both also in career. For instance, more women take up technical careers such as mechanical engineering and they perform well despite the physical demand of these careers. On this note, women have an equal potential to participate in football and to excel just as the males have done. The reason why females are less involved in Football is that they lack the right inspiration, motivation and self-drive. Since the history of sports, it is clear that female have been withdrawn from the football game while millions of males are attracted to it. Statistics show that few women engage in football game in the school environment. In the professional field, there are only a few female football teams in the world. On the other hand, the male football teams continue to increase and now football is part of the male career. In the school environment, women participate little in football and prefer games such as netball, basketball and volleyball that for long have appeared to be more suitable for females. Therefore, the difference in male and female dominance in football starts right from the young age, especially in the learning environment. In addition, women have developed a negative attitude for this sport and in family life, football brings about friction among couples. For instance, Rogers (529) notes that the game was a barrier to communication. Since her husband, Rich was a fan of football and talked a lot about it, she found herself withdrawn even when he was not talking about it. On this ground, it is clear that the female are withdrawn from football and this explains their under-involvement in this sport. The reason why males dominate football is the cultural attitudes that underlie the difference in gender abilities. Generally, many traditional societies perceive female as weaker beings than males. Since football is a game that requires physical strength, the society sees it as game for the strong gender and the weak gender, female, should not engage in such games. Therefore, take up this attitude right from the time they are young and they do not attempt to break out of the cocoon of culture. A woman who plays football appears to be norm breaker and the society criticizes such actions (OReilly and Cahn 87). Alternatively, the society teaches females how to play games that require less physical strength such as volleyball. On this note, females develop a negative attitude towards a football and they divert their interest to other games. However, it is possible to provide a counter argument against the demand of physical strength in football. In the recent past, the number of women in technical courses continues to rise, which shows that women are physically strong and take up any form of physical activities. The same way, if women have the right motivation, right from their early age, it is possible that they can do well in football. In addition, women stills show little interest in football because the society has put up little efforts in developing female football talent in the society. In many countries, the government provides funds for male national teams but does not fund any female football teams. Only few countries have put an effort to develop the female football talent in the world. Scotland is one of the countries that have shown interest in motivating women to be involved in football games. In the 18th century, Scotland organized football matches between married women and unmarried females. Women did not pay any gate pass fee to enter into the stadium, which was an effort to increase their interest on the game. However, criticism emerged and many game analysts criticized the women involvement in football. For instance, the Football Association responded to female football criticism and stated that football is quite unsuitable for females and it should not be encouraged (Spartacus Educational Para. 8). This kind of reaction shows the gender bias that underpins the little female involvement in football game. When such an idea sticks in the mind of female players, they opt to engage in other games other than football. The lack of proper motivation is the reason why female have withdrawn from football, a field where they can do well. The construction of gender identity in the sport arena is a crucial topic for many female rights activists. The aim of this group is to contribute to the formation of an environment that supports female sports in all areas, and football in not an exception. Football has become a game for every citizen in the world and it dominates the social life of many people. As Rogers (532) states, it is hard to be social with many people if you have no interest in Football. Although Rogers had distaste for football, she has learnt to love football. Having lived with a husband who loves soccer, she has developed more attentiveness and has developed a passion for it. Although she had remained negative on watching football and listening to stories on football games, she learnt to love football. The main reason why she had changed her negative attitude towards football is that her husband provided the necessary motivation and inspiration. Just like Rogers, many women in the society today lack the right motivation to develop an interest to watch and even play football (Brake 48). The fact that women can play football in a less violent manner shows that motivating and inspiring them would support their interest for the game. The government in any country should pay attention to women football to help in developing this talent among the females as part of their commitment to gender equality. In conclusion, lack of motivation, inspiration and support has led to low participation of females in football. Statistics show that women interest in football has remained low unlike men who have taken it as a professional career for long. Women have shown little interest in not only playing football but also in watching and discussing about it. The cultural attitudes that portray man as physically stronger than woman discourage women from participating in this game. A wide range of criticism has come up against women who play football as well as organizations that support female football. The governments in many countries have support male football at the national level and forgotten female football. As a result, women have opted for games that demand less physical strength. Women such as Rogers who have learnt to love football feel that inspiration and motivation goes far in direct female interest in football. On this note, it is clear that the negative attitude that women have for football emanates from the cultural factors that surround the female participation in football. Providing women with inspiration, motivation and support will divert their attention to football and provide a future where women can perceive football as a lifetime career. Works Cited Brake, Deborah L. Getting in the Game: Title Ix and the Womens Sports Revolution. New York: New York University Press, 2010. Print. OReilly, Jean, and Susan K. Cahn. Women and Sports in the United States: A Documentary Reader. Boston: Northeastern University Press, 2007. Internet resource. Rogers, Felisa. How I Learnt to Love Football. Spartacus Educational. Women and Football. 2013. Accessed from: < http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/Fwomen.htm>[Accessed on 17th Mar, 2014] Read More