Women+in+Sport+-+Right+or+Wrong?

Name: Nikkita Murray Student Number: n7170912 Tutor: Abbey Diaz

**__ Running like a Girl: How equitable is the Playing Field when it comes to Women in Sport? __**



“The dividing line between sexuality and sexualization is thus largely predicated on whether the sportsperson is or is not objectified” (Wanneberg, 2011)

**__ Artefact __****__ : __**

The cultural artifact that is being analysed is a photograph from an ad campaign put out by Rexona and Women’s Health magazine. The photograph is an advertisement for women’s involvement in sport. It encourages participation and support for the involvement of women in sport. It is a picture of swimming superstar Stephanie Rice in the swimming storage room. She is in a Blue one piece bikini with cutout sections down the side. She is also wearing black pumps. This shifts the viewer’s focus from the swimming success of Stephanie Rice within the sporting industry and more so towards her lack of clothing and the addition of heels, makeup and an ‘enticing’ pose. The campaign photo offers for people to show their support towards women participating in sport by clicking any of the attached links. The campaign consists of a lot of bright colours to attract attention.

**__ Public Health Issue: __**

Although this artifact is promoting the positive involvement of women in sport it is layered with sexual connotations by the photo of Stephanie Rice in heels, makeup and a cutout bikini. This means that although it is encouraging women to participate in sport it could also potentially be pushing them away.

This artifact clearly depicts how women in sport are recognized and advertised within modern society. That being objects of sexualisation, objectification andpornification (Wanneberg, 2001). Sport offers many prospects for sexualisation, particularly for women. It quite often focuses on the sexual undertones associated with the clothing or actions and poses used to objectify the body rather than the sport itself (Wanneberg, 2001). The effects of this on women’s involvement in sport through the various impacts and consequences as well as projections for the future will all be analysed. This therefore creates the basis for the public health issue that this artifact represents.

**__ Literature Review: __**

There is currently a lot of information available surrounding women in sport. However, majority of it revolves around either the lack of involvement in sport, the lack of clothing in women’s sport or the inequalities associated based on gender.

But what does all of this mean for the future? Based on current literature there are a number of programs in place that are trying to conquer the issue of a lack of women’s participation in sport. One of the programs that are currently in place is the Big t-shirt Classes. These classes were implemented with the aim to break away from the stereo type of aerobics classes being filled with slim, toned women in next to no clothes. These classes encourage participants to wear comfortable attire that allow easy movement. The program creates a comfortable environment for women of all ages to exercise without being body conscious. This therefore helps them gain confidence in the ability to exercise (Australian Sports Commission, 1999).

Other implementations that are currently in place include the increased media coverage on advertising for participation in women’s sport as well as the increased media coverage of successful women within sport. The increased marketing of women's sport has provided girls and women with the opportunity to witness accomplished female athletes in a wide array of sports and sport-related careers (Lough, 1998). The Australian Government (2009) reports that television coverage of women's sport grows each year. Messages of improved health, self-esteem, body image, and physical competency are being communicated through television commercials that use female sport role models. However this needs to be monitored to ensure that advertisements and campaigns are not using women as sex symbols to gain attention for advertising.

However, a survey conducted on the public by the Australian Women sport and Recreation Association (National Womensport and Recreation Survey, n.d.) contradicts this claim for the increased media coverage of sport women within the media as well as coverage of female sport. Instead, it shows the following shocking information: Responses to media coverage in percentages (n=163)

(National Womensport and Recreation Survey, n.d.)
 * Media coverage || Excellent || Good || Undecided || Poor || Terrible ||
 * Media coverage of female sport in Australia today || 1 || 14 || 10 || 52 || 23 ||
 * Media coverage of women in your sport today || 3 || 14 || 9 || 38 || 36 ||

The Australian Government has made a record investment in women’s sport through the Australian Sports Commission (ASC). In 2010-11 they invested $23 million in high performance funding and $11 million in new participation funding (Australian Sports Commission, 2011). This shows the Australian Government’s commitment to improving the levels of female participation in sport within Australia.

However although all of these implementations and programs are working towards improving the participation rates as well as the coverage of women in sport, both media and clothing wise, there is still a long way to go. There are a number of barriers in place that are making these improvements difficult to implement and carry out.

The most significant barrier that currently exists is that society is so acquainted with seeing men’s sport, both on television and live. On the occasions when women’s sport is broadcast or watched it generally involves very little clothes and sexual connotations (Bandy, 2005). For example; Cheerleaders at football games wear very little and dance provocatively purely for the enjoyment of men. Another example is the broadcasting of women playing American Lingerie Football. This sport is pretty self-explanatory and provocative just by the title (Lingerie Football League, 2011).

Another barrier that currently exists for women in sport is the under-representation within leadership roles within in the sporting industry. This is, as coaches and administrators within sporting organisations. In a survey conducted by the National Sporting Orgnisation, of the top 40 sporting organisations in Australia, only 13 per cent of executive positions are filled by women (Australian Government 2009). This is an alarmingly low number. Ways need to be deciphered in order to tackle this issue.

**__ Cultural and Social Analysis: __**

Society and culture are both essential to consider when attempting to understand and in turn redress and readdress the health issue previously mentioned. There are many barriers that women face when trying to participate in sport and physical activity (Lough, 1998). Through the direct barriers created by society, for example, a lack of communication, inappropriate advertising and inconsistency, a number of indirect issues are created. Some of these include confidence, emotional, self –esteem and physical issues.

It is clear that this social and cultural issue affects women more so than men. Women are at a clear disadvantage therefore providing many benefits to men within the sporting industry (Australian Sports Commission, 2011). However, it does affect some women more than others. Those from low socio-economic and social status backgrounds are at a higher risk of the direct and indirect effects previously mentioned than those from high income or status backgrounds. Women with mental illness, disabilities and obviously obese or overweight women are also at a higher risk (Australian Sports Commission, 1999).

The acceptance of women in sport, from every aspect, has improved dramatically over time. However, there is still a long way to go before men and women in sport are equally regarded and respected. Awareness on this issue is essential if improvements are to be made. These improvements, like the ones mentioned earlier, should target those from all walks of life. This includes various social groups, cultural backgrounds, socio economic class and sexual orientations.

In order for this issue to be altered and improved in the best possible way, a social theory could be adopted. “The traditional feminist view of sports is that they are exclusionary, male-dominated, male-defined, and masculine in orientation” (Jay, 1998).From a feminist point of view the solution to involvement in sport needs at least one of the following:


 * The reconstructing of sport within society – This will allow participation within sport for women.
 * The redesign of sport within society – This will aid in making sport as a whole less masculine and more gender irrelevant. This will therefore make it less exclusionary for women. (Jay, 1998)

**__ Analysis of the Artefact and Personal Reflection __**

The artefact shown above clearly depicts the way in which women in sport are perceived in modern society. That is, as sexual objects to be viewed and gaped upon in next to no clothes. I find it shocking and sad that women within modern society feel as though they need to dress explicitly or act provocatively to gain attention for their sporting efforts.

The artifact was trying to gain attention to promote a good cause and benefit many women within society. However, I think it went about its advertisement the wrong way. I think that this campaign would have been just as successful if it showed a photograph of Stephanie Rice in one of the swimming suits that is actually worn when she races and goggles on her head. It may not have had the same sex appeal but it would have gained a lot more respect from the female viewers.

The analysis of this assessment has really helped me gain knowledge on just how shocking and appalling the current ‘women within sport’ situation is. If advertisements and campaigns like this are continuously promoted into the future there is very little chance that the current perceptions of women in sport will change. This therefore makes it clear that a lot of change needs to be made in order to level the field when broaching the topic of men in sport vs. women in sport.

**__ Learning Engagement and Reflection __** **__ Australian Men and their Heightened Risk of Suicide __** http://healthculturesociety.wikispaces.com/message/view/Australian+Men+and+their+Heightened+Risk+of+Suicide/45746464


 * Thanks for the Great Knowledge**

I really like the picture that you chose as your artefact. I also like the way in which you interpreted it as representing the public health issue of suicide in men. I think that this was very creative of you.

Initially it was your title that caught my eye. I like how direct it is and tells the reader exactly what topic you are investigating. With this in mind I then knew roughly what to expect.

I was suprised and shocked that such a high number of men suffer from mental illness within Australia. This clearly shows the great need for this public health issue to be addressed!

Great work and thank you Nikkita n7170912

**__He's Just not that into you, Gen Y__** http://healthculturesociety.wikispaces.com/He%27s+Just+not+that+into+you%2C+Gen+Y

**I wish he was into me...** I love that you have related your topic to a great movie that almost everyone has seen (girls atleast).

Although I don't believe the video/movie reflects reality one hundred percent, I can relate to some point.

I also really agree with your arguement in relation to the rise in technology use among Generation Y. The effects of this can be seen in everyday life through communication and social interaction methods.

Good work. Nikkita

**__ Reference __**

Garrett, R. (2004) Negotiating a physical identity: girls, bodies and physical education, //Journal of Sport, Education and Society //, 9(2), 223–237.

Wanneberg, P. L. (2011) The sexualizatoin of sport: A gender analysis of Swedish elite sport from 1967 to the present day, //European Journal of Women’s Studies, 18(//3), 265-278

Australian Sports Commission. (1999). How to include women and girls in sport, recreation and physical activity: Strategies and good practice. Retrieved from []

Lough, N. L. (1998). Promotion of sports for girls and women: The necessity and the strategy. //Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, 69//

National Womensport and Recreation Survey. (n.d.) Retrieved from [|http://www.australianwomensport.com.au/images/Reports/National%20Women%20Sport%20 and%20Recreation%20Survey%20Summary.pdf]

Australian Sports Commission (2011). ASC celebrates 100 years of women in sport. Retrieved October 27th 2011 from [|http://www.ausport.gov.au]

Lingerie Football League. (2011). True Fantasy Football. Retrieved October 29th 2011 from []

Independent Sport Panel, Australian Government. (2009). //The future of Sport in Australia.// Retrieved from [|http://www.sportpanel.org.au/internet/sportpanel/publishing.nsf/Content/758D8954C2A74E11CA257672000140A7__/$File/Crawford_Re__port.pdf]

Bandy, S. J. (2005). From women in sport to cultural critique: A review of books about women in sport and physical culture. //Women’s Studies Quarterly, 33//. 246-261.

Jay, J. E. (1998). Women’s participation in sports: Four feminist perspectives. //Texas Journal of Women and the Law, 7//.