Gender Equality In Athletics

Gender Equality in Athletics

“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance” is a law signed by former United States president Richard Nixon on June 23, 1972, under the name of Title IX. 42 years later, Title IX is still regarded as a substantial law improving women’s participation not only in athletics, but also in every social activity as well. Before Title IX, women’s only physical activities were cheerleading and square-dancing, and athletic budgets were focused on men and only men. Since Title IX was signed, things have obviously changed to the better

Rather, female’s well-being and success is a major part Title IX was put to achieve. The educational, sociological, psychological, and physiological benefits of sports and physical activity to women is what really matters. According to “Physical Activity and Health: a Report of the Surgeon General” (1996), girls who play sports are more confident, have higher self-esteem, better body images, and are less likely to get unwillingly pregnant as a teen or be involved with drugs. As stated by Inger Thune (1997), “Sports participation reduces the risk of developing heart disease and helps control weight, build lean muscle, reduce fat and prevent osteoporosis. As little as two hours of exercise a week on the part of a teenage girl can reduce her lifelong risk of breast cancer”(p.1269-1275). In inclusion to having a good body image and being healthy, women participating in sports gives them a higher chance to graduate from school or college than those who do not play sports. Furthermore, athletic participation gives several students a chance for a higher education where it helps many middle/low-income students who may not be able to afford college, giving them access to this higher education. According to “Her Life Depends on it II” (2009), involvement in sports teaches women important professional lessons that have lifelong influence. For example, 80 percent of women identified as key leaders in Fortune 500 companies had participated in sports while growing up. Furthermore, 82 percent of executive businesswomen played sports, with the major part saying lessons learned on the playing field contributed to their success. Females who participate in sports grow more professional work ethic, good school manners, developed thinking skills, higher self-esteem, and better college aspirations and ambitions. According to Brad Wolverton (2006), college graduation rates for female athletes are notably