winning+the+equality+race+for+women+in+sport

Name: Sarah Wilkin Student Number:n8278121 Tutor: Judith Meiklejohn

“The triumph can't be had without the struggle. And I know what struggle is. I have spent a lifetime trying to share what it has meant to be a woman first in the world of sports so that other young women have a chance to reach their dreams.”-Wilma Rudolph ** Cultural Artefact **

[] This montage is a cover page indicating the current top fifty hottest sports women as chosen by popcrunch. The website goes on to give a breakdown of these women by their ‘hotness” ranking. Popcrunch is a website which attempts to reflect popular culture and is a website dedicated to giving up to date reflections of popular opinion on different social trends and celebrities. **Literature Review ** Inactivity is now listed by the Australian government as the second most important risk factor to Australian health. With more than 25% of children and adolescents listed as obese or overweight and more than 54% of adults, and inactivity related illness costing over $400 million a year, it is no wonder it is such of such a primary health focus(The ABS 2010). The ABS currently lists that between 36-45% of adolescent females do not meet the recommended PA levels. The adolescent period is critical period of development may imprint upon and influence future health behaviours, (Due, Krølner, Rasmussen, Damsgaard, Graham & Holstein 2011). Understanding the causes behind the changing activity levels in girls at this stage may help health in determining actions that can be taken to help reverse this trend. This document will look at what research is saying about this issue. It will also look at the issues from a socioecological perspective. Finally, using this information, a critical perspective of the cultural artefact will be made. A report significant for Australia’s rural population was undertaken by Meghan, Casey, Eime, Payne and Harvey (2009). This uses a socioecological approach to health. The study takes a comprehensive approach looking at influences on teenage girls physical activity levels from the most micro to most macro influences. It concludes that to help reverse the inactivity levels a multifaceted approach must be used including single sex classes, increased parental support and creating social change in making sport a more fun and acceptable activity for adolescent girls. It is limited to study on rural Australia and may not be applicable to the entire Australian population. In 2004, a Government commissioned report, looked at the rising trends in childhood and adolescent overweight and obesity levels (Australian Department of Health and Welfare 2004). It looked at comparative studies for different sub-groups, age groups, decades and comparisons to other nations as well as the major health implications. It concluded that the main reasons for these changing trends were simply increased energy levels and reduced energy outputs. In terms of the lower activity levels, this report postulates that this can be put down to the increase in activities such as video games, television and computer time and the reduction in outdoor leisure activities such as riding bikes and playing outside. The fact that it is a Government report is good because in monetary terms they have the most to gain or lose which means they should be more proactive in finding suitable outcomes for this problem. However, a limitation of this is that the report seemed to be quick to blame particular things such as video games and television and did not look at influences such as social trends, parental support, education and individual influences. There was also no look at the Government’s influence on this problem or what they could do which may suggest the report was bias in creating a positive spin towards the party in power.  Using a feminist post-structuralist approach, Garrett (2010), looked at the impact of self-image on physical activity and what influences this self image. It suggested that this self image is developed within a consumer culture where advertising and media determines beauty and youth. This cultural ideal of body shape can lead to constant self-monitoring, over-exercising, eating disorders or may also have the opposite effect, Garrett (2010). One of the limitations of this study was that it looks mainly at these cultural and organisational influences but does not broaden the concept to more micro influences. A meta-analysis of literature was used to “identify physical activity trends of Australian children and adults, and outline potential approaches to physical activity interventions” Drummond, Drummond, Dollman and Abery (2010). This was another report that looked at many aspects which influence declining physical activity levels. This report was thorough in its approach to looking at causes and did not define one sole cause to be more significant than another. It also was able to make several informed recommendations of actions by the government, parents, schools and society. One negative of this report was that it listed gender and age a determinant of decreasing physical activity levels but it did not list the reasons of prevalence amongst these sub groups. A recent report, by Lyras and Hums (2009), looked at several studies and concluded recommendations for health workers in creating a balanced environment for both males and females of all heritages to participate in sports. One of the key reasons for this report was to act as a catalyst for social change through the medium of sport. It was recommended to for the best outcomes that there must be equal status for all participants, common goals by all, intergroup cooperation and support from societal organisations. The final report discussed, explored the social and psychological influences on adolescent females exercise behaviours. By using their own longitudinal research as well as drawing on similar research from other western cultures, and similarities were drawn cross-culturally. In comparison with the other literature that has been discussed in this report, the concluded influences are very similar. Although this study was based in the UK, the similarities the report found and the similarities to the literature that has been reviewed confirms the social trend amongst western nations in the trend of reduced physical activity amongst adolescent females. **Cultural and Social Analysis ** From the literature that has been discussed it is clear that the reasons for the reduction in female activity levels during adolescence are both complex and multi-faceted and not a single contributor could be identified as the sole cause. Meghan et al. 2009 uses a socioecological model to break down these factors into intrapersonal, interpersonal or environmental levels. No matter what the cause is it is also clear that it is a significant trend with major health impacts to Australian citizens. Looking at social trends it is clear that inequality for women still exists when it comes to sport. Looking specifically at social and cultural trends, over the last 20 years technology has exponentially advanced and given rise to a whole new way for consumers to consume. We can now consume almost anywhere anytime and this gives companies greater avenues to advertise. With this incessant marketing it easier for companies to determine what our perception of particular things should be. In terms of sporting identities, female athletes are given only 10.7% of air time on Australian television, (Department of Sports and Recreation 1997) and particularly in magazines, these females are often portrayed in a sexualised manor. This can portray a female’s role in sport as one of insignificance and only acceptable if you conform to the social portrayal of what is sexy not only to the adolescent female population but also to the rest of the population. This downward effect can also influence the P.E. environment. Both Meghan et al. (2009) and Drummond et al. (2010) listed P.E. experiences as crucial for future physical activity levels. It was reported that students often found male P.E. teachers to be insensitive to their training and needs and bias toward the male students. Also, students reported bullying by males for poor skills and teasing by fellow females due to the perception that being sporty could be considered tom boyish. These social stigmas could be attributed to the social trend that has been created for the insignificance of the female role in sports.  Another key factor was listed was a lack of parental support and inactive role modelling by the primary care giver (Meghan et al. 2009; Drummond et al. 2010; and Coleman et al. 2008). In today’s consumerist environment we seem to need more money to keep up with our spending. Since 1983, the number of households with a single income has dropped by 20%, Hayes, Weston, Qu and Gray (2010). This social change has led to more households having both parents working, particularly as children age, leaving less time for family exercise, personal exercise and time for taking children to extracurricular sports and training as well as physical leisure time.  Inactivity is a problem that is costing Australia over $400 000 00 a year. It is also a lifestyle disease that may seem easily preventable. From the research discussed it has been established that this problem has causation at intrapersonal, interpersonal and environmental levels. It is important for not only the government to look at new ways to promote physical activity to adolescent females and encourage parental role modelling, but also for society to create a shift in the culture of sport. This culture should be one where sport is focuses on the health benefits, is fun, accessible to all demographics and is not attached with social stigmas. **Analysis of Artefact ** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> This artefact demonstrates the current social view of women in sports. Although current Australian society has come a long way in providing equal opportunity for people of all diversities including gender, age, ethnicity and religious beliefs in most situations it is apparent that disparity is still present in terms of sports and physical activity. The artefact is meant to represent the top fifty sportswomen but the three pictures of two naked women hugging and the sexual nature of all the photos suggests that it has nothing to do with sporting abilities but is just an opportunity to sexualise women in sport and promote the product being advertised. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> From the research it is clear that the culture surrounding women’s sport has major impacts on societies view on women’s sport and the levels of physical inactivity amongst adolescent girls. In today’s consumerist environment it seems that advertisers and selling campaigns create the culture that they want so they can best sell to this consumer. It seems that creating insecurities in women may be more profitable option for companies in weight loss products, make-up, self-help products, personal trainers, and day spas just to name a few. It is important for these companies to realise the responsibility they have on influencing culture. Perhaps the government needs to look at working with these marketing giants in creating a better sporting culture for women in Australia. After all, there is more money to be made by everyone when less has to be spent on these health related issues and when your consumer lives longer to spend their money.

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">**Reflective Comments**

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">A review of alcohol related violence and prevention strategies in remote Indigenous communities.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Name: Kathryn M

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Student Number: 8297126

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Tutor: Colleen Niland

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">This assignment is great. The artefact really set the scene for the whole wiki. This assignment really tackles the issue of discrimination and alcohol problems in Indigenous communities head on. This has really opened my eyes to how we as a nation seem to be able to support the government taking control over our Indigenous people's lives and rights as long as we don't have to hear about it any more. There is a definite need for cultural change here and from your article it also highlights the governments need for cultural sensitivity and consultation with the people its trying to help. Maybe then they'll be able to find a better way to help these communities.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">'Dial up the residue, Now I’m nuts, just like a blue cashew' - Is this how we have come to view mental health in 2011???

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Samantha Woods

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;"> N8100829

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;"> Tutor - Emily Mann

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">This article gives a great run down of the stigmas that people with mental illness face in today's society. It is interesting that mental illness has increased so rapidly over the last few decades and it made me wonder whether these levels are elevated due to societal pressures or if there are better diagnoses made or if people feel more comfortable being seeking help. Also, this article highlights the employment issues faced by those with mental illness which should be an obvious target factor by the society to help reduce the impact of mental illness.

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">References <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Australian Department of Health and Aging 2011 <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2004). A rising epidemic; obesity in Australian children and adolescents. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Casey, M.M., Eime, R.M., Payne, W.R., and Harvey, J.T., (2009). Using a socioecological approach to examine participation in sport and physical activity among rural adolescent girls. //Qualitative health research, 19// (7), 881-893. DOI: 10.1177/1049732309338198 <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Coleman, L., Cox, L., and Roker, D., ((2008). Girls and young women’s participation in physical activity: psychological and social influences. //Health education research, 23// (4), 663-647. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Department of Sports and Recreation (1997). Media coverage of women in sport. Retrieved from [] <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Due, P., Krølner, R., Rasmussen, M., Andersen, A., Damsgaard, M.T., Graham, H., and Holstein, B.E., (2011). Pathways and mechanisms in adolescence contribute to adult health inequalities. //Scandinavian journal of public health, 39//(6), 62-78. doi: 10.1177/1403494810395989 <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Drummond, M.J, .C., Dollman, J., and Abery, L., (2010). Physical activity from early childhood to adolescence: a literature review of issues and interventions in disadvantaged populations. //Journal of student well being, 4//(2), 17-31. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Garrett, R., (2010). Negotiating a physical identity: girls, bodies and physical education. //Sport, education and society, 9//(2), 223-237. doi: 10.1080/13573332042000233958 <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hayes, A., Weston, R., Qu, L., and Gray, M., (2010). Families then and now: 1980-2010. //Australian institute of family studies.// Retrieved from: [] <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Ha, A., Abbot, R., Macdonald, D., and Pang, B., (2009). Comparison of perceived support for physical activity and physical activity related practices of children and young adolescents in Hong Kong and Australia. //European physical education review, 15//(2), 155-173. doi: 10.1177/1356336X09345219