Chapter 15, Student Web Activities, Sociology and You, Glencoe, 2003

Chapter 15: Sport
"Sport and Sexism"

Introduction
In this chapter you learned about sport as an American institution. Sport plays a central role in American society because it reflects the culture's emphasis on achievement. It also is an important tool for socialization. Sometimes, inequalities emerge in sport. Minorities still face discrimination in sport, and women in sport suffer from gender-based stereotypes. In this activity you will take a closer look at the causes and consequences of gender inequity in sports.

Destination Title: Women's Sports Foundation

Note: Clicking on the link above will launch a new browser window.
Need help using your browser for this activity? Click here for tips.

Directions
Start at the Women's Sports Foundation Web site.

Scroll down to read the entire text of the article.

Use what you have learned to answer the following questions.

1. List the three benefits of sport to women and girls that you think are the most important and explain why.

2. Has the media been a positive or negative force in gender equity in sport? Give examples to defend your answer.

3. What is Title IX? Do you think it has been successful? Why or why not?

4. What argument against gender equity has been made among men's coaches and athletic directors? Is this a valid argument?

5. Find and view a women's sporting event being broadcast on television. Then find and watch a men's sporting event. What similarities do you see? What differences in the broadcast can you find? What commercials are shown? Do you see evidence of gender inequity? Do your findings support or refute the information you read in the Web article? Write a one-page summary of your findings and compare your response with those of your classmates.