Sexism In Football

This essay aims to critically identify Gender and the issues surrounding female representation and accessibility women get within the sporting world. The figures above represent gender inequality, the majority of this essay will have a specific focus on football. Sexism, the act of discriminating against someone based on their sex, has always been a deep-rooted issue in society, specifically in sport. But, as the world seems to be adapting to Gender equality, the world of sport is lacking behind. A recent example of this is that it was only until 2012 that female Beach Volleyball players could wear shorts and sleeved tops, as the previous rules stated that a bikini or body suit was the official uniform (Federation Internationale De Volleyball, 2015).

Football is a unique sport than most because both the men and the women play by the exact same rules and have the same equipment. This makes it a perfect example for assessing gender inequality as both versions of the sport should, in theory, be completely equal. Riemer and Visio (2003:202)
It is only until that barrier is broken, much like in tennis and mixed martial arts, that women’s football will feel equal. Theories of hegemonic muscularity, the gender classification model and patriarchy still exist in football because there has been little to change people’s opinions. If a widely popular team like Manchester United are not willing to believe in women’s football, then it’ll be hard to expect others to believe in it also. So, to conclude while other sports seem to be thriving on this social change where sports are slowly becoming more gender neutral. Football still seems to be stuck in its ways of being a predominantly male sport hence the clear difference in the two