Poster Session

Location

Memorial Ballroom, Hall Campus Center

Access Type

Campus Access Only

Entry Number

1

Start Date

4-10-2019 12:00 PM

End Date

4-10-2019 1:15 PM

Department

Sports Management

Abstract

In 1972, Congress passed Title IX of the Education Amendments Act with the intent to prohibit gender-based discrimination in institutions receiving federal financial assistance. However, this act reached more than just educational institutions and their athletic departments. The purpose of this study is to break down the everlasting impact of Title IX on leadership of women’s athletics. It is easy to see the lack of representation of women in leadership roles, but it is the explanations that are surprising. Following Title IX, women’s sport fell victim to stereotypes, expectations, and discrimination. Although participation, platform, and opportunities increased, social expectations of femininity and sexuality shaped the perception of female athletes, coaches, and leaders. The creation of more female programs led to an influx of female participants and a demand for more coaches, where there lacked a pool of female candidates. When men entered women’s sport, there was promotion of male superiority. Men assumed power over female athletes, the athletic departments, and the perception of athletic role models. The research showed that sport is perceived as a masculine activity and if women are to compete the sport must represent feminine characteristics and/or led by a masculine figure. In order to reverse this perception, there must be a complete restructuring of athletic departments with female leadership, platforms for educational seminars to reverse social norms about female athletes, and lastly, more strict compliance to Title IX policies.

Faculty Mentor(s)

Dr. Lindsay Pieper
Dr. Daniel Hedrick

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Apr 10th, 12:00 PM Apr 10th, 1:15 PM

Impact of Title IX on Women's Leadership in Sport

Memorial Ballroom, Hall Campus Center

In 1972, Congress passed Title IX of the Education Amendments Act with the intent to prohibit gender-based discrimination in institutions receiving federal financial assistance. However, this act reached more than just educational institutions and their athletic departments. The purpose of this study is to break down the everlasting impact of Title IX on leadership of women’s athletics. It is easy to see the lack of representation of women in leadership roles, but it is the explanations that are surprising. Following Title IX, women’s sport fell victim to stereotypes, expectations, and discrimination. Although participation, platform, and opportunities increased, social expectations of femininity and sexuality shaped the perception of female athletes, coaches, and leaders. The creation of more female programs led to an influx of female participants and a demand for more coaches, where there lacked a pool of female candidates. When men entered women’s sport, there was promotion of male superiority. Men assumed power over female athletes, the athletic departments, and the perception of athletic role models. The research showed that sport is perceived as a masculine activity and if women are to compete the sport must represent feminine characteristics and/or led by a masculine figure. In order to reverse this perception, there must be a complete restructuring of athletic departments with female leadership, platforms for educational seminars to reverse social norms about female athletes, and lastly, more strict compliance to Title IX policies.