A Bournemouth University professor discussed sexism within the sports industry and the societal impact of insufficient female participation.
Dr Jayne Caudwell is an Associate Professor in Social Sciences, Gender and Sexualities at Bournemouth University.
She spoke for the Students’ Union in March of 2019 for international women’s day called, ‘Racism and sexism in sports and why we need sport feminism.’
Dr Caudwell spoke to BUzz News about the importance of female participation in sport.
She said: “One of the main issues for women in sport is media representation.
“Not having any signs or symbols of women being active trivialises them.”
Dr Jayne Caudwell spoke about the media’s mistreatment of many female athletes through the years.
She added: “You had to be pretty for the media to pick you up and talk about you.
“But the pictures would be passive.
“The women would often be standing by their partner or a child, not a subject of sport.”
Dr Caudwell also spoke of the crossover between racist and sexism in sport.
One clear example of this was the Williams sisters, as they endured racially abusive and sexist comments.
Dr Jayne Caudwell told BUzz News about the history of sport and how it further defines gender roles within society.
Dr Caudwell said: “You could argue that sport was created by men for men because there are still some very sexualised expectations.
“Throughout history, sport socially constructed both men and women.
“It is still a cultural phenomenon; it plays such a huge part in people’s lives.”
Read more about sexism within the sports industry:
https://buzz.bournemouth.ac.uk/2020/12/former-rugby-cap…-and-stereotypes/
https://buzz.bournemouth.ac.uk/2020/12/sexism-in-sport-…-needs-to-change/
Former rugby captain speaks out on sexism and stereotypes