The Gender of Sports Essay - 1283 Words

The Gender of Sports What are the social and cultural costs and benefits of an individual (male or female) entering a non-traditional sport for their gender/sex (e.g. women enter body building, power lifting, boxing; men enter synchronized swimming or field hockey)? In todays society, particularly in the United States, an individual entering a non-traditional sport for his/her gender takes on many tasks besides playing the sport, the individual also takes on the criticism (good or bad) of people who play the sport and those who watch it too. There are many social and cultural costs as well as benefits, but to what extent mostly depends on the sport and the sex of the player. The biggest thing that creates a social and†¦show more content†¦So even before the league started, someone felt that he/she had to prove that not all aggressive female athletes are gay. Its funny, but in a sad way, that women have to prove their sexual identity, but the mens are never questioned. The social and cultural costs of this intermingling of sexes starts with the genders that are tied to each sport, which then puts the individuals sexuality at question. If a woman enters a male sport she will be considered a lesbian and if a male entered a woman sport then he would be tagged with a gay identity. The player now has two jobs, succeed at the game and prove their sexuality, just like what the commercials were doing for the WNBA, proving the maternity of the players. Also, if an individual is of a different race or social class, then people tend to attack that side of the person. For example, some might say that the only reason why a person is good is because of their color or the only reason why someone has the opportunity is because he/she came from a wealthy background. Many people in todays society will find anything about someone to attack them and prove that what that individual is doing is wrong and bad for society and/or for the sport and apply labels to them. The se labels lead to harassment and when it is not dealt with appropriately it can contribute to many social crises. It may interfere with and affect an individuals physical and emotional health, which will leadShow MoreRelatedGender in Sports986 Words   |  4 PagesGender Differences in Sports For plenty of years the women nature has been looked upon as homemakers, hairdressers, wives and mothers. As women step out into the world to pursue dreams, careers, and aspirations, many have come across the issues of playing on male teams. With the decline of women sports in high school, college and the Olympics, women are starting to train their self to play with the men causing this case to become more and more popular. Many women are finding spots on teams thatRead MoreGender Inequality : Sports And Sports1930 Words   |  8 PagesHumberto Lamas 6/10/16 Professor Callaci Eng 1A Gender Inequality in Sports It is now 2016 and sports play an enormous part in the U.S. culture. 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