Hey everyone! For my Inquiry project this semester my question is: How does gender inequality affect/impact sports? As you all probably caught on from my about me, I really love sports! Gender inequality in sports is quite evident in major sporting events and just regular games as well. In sports men and women have a huge salary gap, uniform requirements, and difference in media coverage. Equality is something that is extremely important to me and an issue that I constantly question and research. This semester I hope to uncover reasons why women are treated differently in the sports world. Can’t wait to start!
Hey Rhea!
I think this is a great topic that more people need to hear about. I also love your question because I have been playing competitive basketball for over 10 years, and I know what it’s like to not be taken seriously because of my gender even after proving that I know what I’m doing, and it sucks. For your future posts, maybe you could research if the gender inequality in sports will ever end? For example, how long will it take for society to recognize women in the Sports Industry? Will that ever happen, or is there too much history behind it for things to ever change? Women are also criticized at a way harsher level than men when it comes to sports, so maybe you could also talk about what it would take for men to understand this, and treat us equally? These are just a few ideas, but I’m looking forward to your next post! Good luck (:
-Shaila
Hi Shaila!
Thank you so much for these wonderful suggestions, that I will definitely be using for future posts. I hope that I can uncover more this semester, and find out the real root of this ongoing issue. I love all of you’re ideas! Good luck with you’re project this semester:)
– Rhea
Hi Rhea,
I love your topic and I believe there is a lot to expand on here! I would love to learn more about your insight on how these inequalities can be overcome? I have grown up watching the NBA and it is something that is always followed in my household. But I have never really watched WNBA games, whether because of less media coverage and exposure or access, it just never gained the same momentum as watching mens basketball. I feel this is very widespread because mens sports offer higher production values, higher-quality coverage, and higher-quality commentary. I think it would be interesting if you talked about how we as an audience can increase the interest in women’s sports. I believe the core of this inequality issue begins when girls are little. Gender stereotypes contribute to young women dropping out of sport participation because women in sport are often seen as being non-feminine. So is this a problem with the way kids are being raised or society and mens outlook on women playing sports? What influences the perspective more? I think these would be interesting things to explore, where does the inequality end?
A resource that could be helpful for u-
https://eige.europa.eu/topics/sport
-Martina
Hi Martina!
I definitely agree strongly with all of the points you covered in your comment. I grew up with NHL hockey games, TSN, and Sportsnet playing in my living room day in and day out. Very few times was it when I saw women’s sports being broadcasted. I do really wish that the standards were equal, so I hope that my inquiry will help all of us understand and challenge the standard. I hope that my question can help with this upsetting and absolutely unfortunate topic.
– Rhea :))
Hey Rhea,
This is an intriguing inquiry project question! I play two sports, boxing and basketball, and I’ve always contrasted the salary disparities between the NBA and the WNBA. It’s not just thousands of dollars off, but millions in some situations, which is insane. I also believe that equality is extremely important and that it should be discussed more frequently.
Here’s A Link That Might Help You Compare The Marketing Aspects Of Men And Female Athletes:
https://www.teamheroine.com/blog/5-differences-when-marketing-womens-sport
Mahdiya A.
Hey Mahdiya!
Thanks so much for your comment. I love that you are also passionate about sports, and the inequality that is shown throughout them. I have seen salary gaps in men and women’s sports, but I’ve mainly focused on hockey. I find it so fascinating how the NBA and WNBA have two different payrolls. I find that so intriguing but also upsetting at the same time. I hope that I can find out why. Thanks so much for the informative and helpful link!
– Rhea😁