How And Why Sexism In Sports Exist

By Enid Hinton


When looking at a recent Thesis related to sports and sexism, the findings were quite interesting. The WNBA salary cap, $803,000, the NBA salary cap, 57.7 million. One can clearly see by these figures that there is no doubt sexism in sports. The question remains as to how, and why this is the case.

It will be interesting to see how the players react to being coached by a woman when it comes to the new Assistant Coach of the Spurs. Things can go either way depending on the team and how the season progresses, and what happens at the end of the contact. Still, it is progress when it comes to women making an impact on areas which have most often been controlled by men.

While the article is based on players salaries and caps, there is no information as to what others in the field are earning. Most likely because most do not want to know the difference between the pay of men compared to women. For, regardless of a history with the NBA, women in general are going to still less make than male counterparts.

An area in particular where masculinity still rules to some extent is that of the NFL. While there are a number of women who would love to play professional football, it is a reality that has yet come to pass. Some believe due to the risk of injury or death, while others believe it is for more sexist reasons.

Currently in the United States, girls can play in sports at the middle and high school level at a number of schools which are receiving federal funding for various programs. Although, it is not doubt that it takes a brave young lady to get onto the field with a team of mostly all other male players. Even if injury is not intentional, girls often have a greater risk of injury than do the boys on the team.

Broadcasting is also a dream of many sport-oriented individuals. Yet, opportunities as in other areas are few and far between. As such, a woman must often go through several interviews during the application and hiring process. Unfortunately, most often without any positive results in landing a position. There are also a number of women who produce and promote sports broadcasting over alternative channels like YouTube. Though, most are only sports enthusiast and are not getting paid to do so.

Girls who are interested in sports though do not wish to play on a team may want to look into the field of sports broadcasting. While not as prestigious as being part of a major, or minor league team, broadcasters are an essential element when it comes to keeping fans entertained and informed during live games. Whether a live game broadcaster, radio or television, all are positions that will most likely continue to have great demand in the future.

Upon recognizing these and other realities related to the disparity between women and men, it becomes clear that in sports and other areas, sexism continues to be an issue. It will be interesting to see what the future holds now that a woman has made it to the NBA as Assistant Coach of the Spurs. Although, the findings may only be more bad news unless things change in all worlds in which women work.




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