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Societal pressures on males participating in traditionally feminized sports. Becoming a man while playing a female sport Presented by: Joel Want, David Nippard, and Alex Vanderlinden
Societal pressures on males participating in traditionally
feminized sports.
Becoming a man while playing a female sport
Presented by: Joel Want, David Nippard, and Alex Vanderlinden
Overview
What is the problem? Males sexuality is being questioned when participating in
traditionally feminized sports.Why is it a problem?
Males avoid feminized sports to preserve their perceived heterosexuality.
Examples of feminized sportsPeer interviews Solutions to the problem
What is the Problem?
Sports which are judged by their aesthetics and not through force of competition are seen as feminine by modern society.
These sports, therefore, are deemed ‘second tier’ and inferior to male sport (Jarratt, 1991 p.491).
Why is this a Problem?
Judging a sport to be ‘feminine’ prevents heterosexual males from participating to maintain their sexuality.
Males will abandon their pursuit of athletic excellence in order to maintain their perceived masculinity.
Sports that are considered “Feminine”
Figure skatingDanceCheerleadingGymnasticsSwimmingTennis
Characteristics of Figure Skating
Figure skating performances depend on the ability to choreograph and execute a routine.
Routines are based on: Skating skills (use of edges, turns, flow, speed and
acceleration, multi-directional skating, and one-foot skating)
Transitions (From jump to spin, etc.) Interpretation and timing.
American Figure SkaterWinner of the 1988
Calgary Olympics, 1986 and 1988 World Championship.
Delegate Sochi 2014 Olympics. Controversy before attending
Sochi.
Brian Boitano
Recent controversy
Interviews
Is there such thing as masculine and feminine sports?
If so, what sports do you consider to be feminine?
what specifically makes this sports feminine in your opinion?
Do you view this ideal as helpful or harmful to society?
Would you or have you ever consider becoming a figure skater? Why or why not?
Testimonials
Solution to the problem
Education In schools, young age
More opportunity More media coverage to increase awareness
of the sport
