Discrimination against women athletes is often based on their looks. There are some ways to change this. You can first take control over your body image. Participating in social media can challenge gender stereotypes. Lastly, you can be an advocate for gender equality. These tips will enable you to be a part of the sporting community.
Take back control of your body image
Female athletes are increasingly taking back control over their bodies. These athletes speak out about how pressure to look perfect can impact their performance and mental well-being. Gracie Gold (Olympic figure skater) and Allie Ostrander (professional runner) are two examples of athletes who have opened up about their negative body image. These athletes want to show everyone that it is not a sign of weakness to have a body that does not fit a certain standard.
Despite being under enormous pressure to improve their body image, female athletes are still at risk for developing body dissatisfaction. A negative view of one's body or the perception of an ideal body size can lead to body dissatisfaction. Context and function can also influence how we perceive our bodies. Recent research found that female collegiate athletes were part of a program called "Bodies in Motion," which helps athletes to have a positive image of their bodies.
It's time to change the stereotypes associated with female athletes
One of the most important things that a female athlete can do is break down gendered stereotypes. Many girls and young women are discouraged to participate in sports due to the stereotypical beliefs that surround them. These stereotypes need to be broken. It begins by teaching girls, and women, to respect one other and to be unique. It also involves changing the way we talk and act about women. If we change our words and our actions, we can improve how female athletes are presented in the media.
The majority of research on female athlete has been focused on the bipolarity in masculinity and feminineity. Very little has been done to examine androgyny. Androgyny is the middle ground between masculinity & femininity. It allows a female athlete to be both male & female simultaneously. This gender identity can be strong and assertive, gentle and independent, dependent and competitive, as well as passive and compliant. A woman may have both masculine and feminine characteristics, which can be helpful for the individual.
Participation in social media
Use social media to inspire younger women to get involved in sports. Social media is one way for female athletes to be inspired by stories about other women who play the sport. Last night's game saw the UConn Huskies defeat the Baylor Bears. The entire social media landscape was consumed by the game. While the final score was 69 -67 in favor UConn Huskies, the controversy surrounding the call was the most talked about part of the game.
Taking part in social media can be a powerful way to encourage young women to pursue sports and improve their health. Many female athletes are now using social media as a way to promote themselves. The amount of research that has been done on the online representations of women athletes is limited.
Managing gender stereotypes
Many women face gender stereotypes in sport and this can hinder their participation. They may choose to lessen their achievements in athletics and focus on more stigmatized sports or drop out entirely. These issues are a reflection of larger cultural attitudes about athletic women. These stereotypes can be a barrier to participation in female sports.
First, women athletes must confront the problem of public perception. Women are often seen as submissive or objectified by the public. Female athletes are often considered to be wives or daughters of male athletes. This unhealthy cycle of gender stereotypes often results in the sexualization and objectification female athletes. This has been brought to the forefront by the USA Gymnastics scandal.