Rethinking Women Involvement in Sports Sociology paper

Introduction

              Modern societies have continued to exclude women from competitive sports despite overwhelming evidence to show that inclusive sporting increases social cohesion. In addition to social benefits, women’s involvement in sports is associated with myriad health benefits, including prevention of lifestyle-related diseases, which account for about 60% of annual global women deaths (Brady, 2015). Again, participation in sports improves one’s quality of life while leading to development of important skills, such as goal-setting, socialization, and teamwork skills. Ideally, these benefits are worth considering for a well-meaning society when putting in place measures to bolster gender-inclusiveness in sports. In the view of worrying statistics on women involvement in sports, this essay would argue that the modern society can bolster women participation in sports by increasing funding, creating the right environment, and motivation (Sociology paper.

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            Among the factors that keep women away from the field is lack of sufficient funding for women-specific sport events. In most countries, governments provide bulk of funds for promoting male participation, with meager financing being directed to women games. Better funding for women sports would ensure that there are enough facilities that women can use to enhance their sporting talents. According to Klein (2014), funding encourages greater participation while opening more opportunities for women to get involved in sports and other forms of physical recreation. In fact, the dream of achieving a healthy society cannot be realized unless the contemporary society takes the issue of women participation seriously. Funding should be sufficient to support involvement at every level, from elite to grassroots. Where necessary, the government should partner with non-government organizations that promote sports as part of their corporate-social responsibility.

            The other way to bolster women participation in sports would involve creation of the right environment where women feel valued. Traditionally, the society has conceptualized the female gender as weak and one that lacks the ability to perform demanding physical tasks, such as sporting (Bailey, Wellard, & Dismore, 2013). Even when the access to sports is granted, it comes as a mere formality because the capabilities of women are often overlooked. Women can enjoy the full benefits of sports participation only when this notion is changed. Prejudice and discrimination ought to be replaced with a friendly and welcoming culture that does not elicit fear among women participants. In other words, there is need for the society to create an environment where women feel as confident as their male counterparts.

            Thirdly, there is need for motivation. Right away from early childhood, girls should be taught the importance of living active lives and getting involved in sports. With a good foundation, girls will grow up finding fun in sports and a culture of physical activity will be instilled in them. According to Brady (2015), avenues of motivation for women to get into sports can take both intrinsic and extrinsic forms. In this case, intrinsic motivation will emanate from the fun, pleasure, and the challenge of playing while extrinsic motivation will take forms such as rewards for participating or winning.

Conclusion

            The poor rate of women participation in sports is both a social and personal concern because sports not only result in more cohesive societies, but also have personal benefits, such as wellness and better quality of life. With proper measure in place, women involvement will be increased and this will lead to the development of alternative values, experiences, norms, capabilities, knowledge, and attitudes among women.

References

Bailey, R., Wellard, I. & Dismore, H. (2013). Girls’ participation in physical activities and sports: Benefits, patterns, influences and ways forward. Centre for Physical Education and Sport Research. United Kingdom: Canterbury Christ Church University College.

Brady, M. (2015). Letting girls play: Using sport to create safe spaces and build social assets. Promoting healthy, safe, and productive transitions to adulthood, Brief No. 1, May 2005, New York: Population Council

Klein, M. (2014). Work and Play: International Evidence of Gender Equality in Employment and Sports. In Journal of Sports Economics, vol. 5, No. 3. p. 178-194