Mentor/s
n/a
Participation Type
Poster
Abstract
This paper will discuss the different pressures and stereotypes that female athletes face and the psychological effects that result from these stereotypes. These stereotypes cause issues in athletes’ lives such as low self-esteem which can cause more serious psychological impacts on one’s life.
Female athletes have already overcome so many adversaries. They have gone from not being able to compete competitively because of biological beliefs to having the same opportunities as male athletes because of Title IX. There is more room for female athletes to become accepted in society today. Society creates pressure on everyone but throw in being a female athlete and there is more pressure than before. There is pressure to be competitive in competition but come out and act like a lady, based on what society deems as acceptable, all while being labeled and criticized for how a female athlete looks compared to non-athletic women.
Young athletes face an increased amount of pressure causing them to drop out of sports because it is not fun anymore, and they cannot deal with the implications that come along with being a young female athlete. Female athletes are labeled as gay, delicate and face the dreaded saying ‘like a girl,’ as well as dealing with body image issues that can lead to more serious health issues. Even specific sports cause female athletes to feel criticized based on the uniforms the sport requires for competition.
Society praises male athletes, they should do the same for female athletes, and deem it acceptable to have qualities that have once been deem masculine. The qualities of being aggressive and dominant should not just be tied to males. There needs to be acceptance of females showing off these qualities as well.
Increased stereotypes in women's sports have led to a decrease in female athletes. Social stigmas of being labeled as 'gay', delicate, and playing like a girl have led to body image issues, eating disorders, and depression for many female athletes.
College and Major available
Management BS, Marketing BS
Location
Digital Commons
Start Day/Time
5-5-2021 1:00 PM
End Day/Time
5-5-2021 4:00 PM
Stereotypes in Women’s Sports and their Psychological Effects
Digital Commons
This paper will discuss the different pressures and stereotypes that female athletes face and the psychological effects that result from these stereotypes. These stereotypes cause issues in athletes’ lives such as low self-esteem which can cause more serious psychological impacts on one’s life.
Female athletes have already overcome so many adversaries. They have gone from not being able to compete competitively because of biological beliefs to having the same opportunities as male athletes because of Title IX. There is more room for female athletes to become accepted in society today. Society creates pressure on everyone but throw in being a female athlete and there is more pressure than before. There is pressure to be competitive in competition but come out and act like a lady, based on what society deems as acceptable, all while being labeled and criticized for how a female athlete looks compared to non-athletic women.
Young athletes face an increased amount of pressure causing them to drop out of sports because it is not fun anymore, and they cannot deal with the implications that come along with being a young female athlete. Female athletes are labeled as gay, delicate and face the dreaded saying ‘like a girl,’ as well as dealing with body image issues that can lead to more serious health issues. Even specific sports cause female athletes to feel criticized based on the uniforms the sport requires for competition.
Society praises male athletes, they should do the same for female athletes, and deem it acceptable to have qualities that have once been deem masculine. The qualities of being aggressive and dominant should not just be tied to males. There needs to be acceptance of females showing off these qualities as well.
Increased stereotypes in women's sports have led to a decrease in female athletes. Social stigmas of being labeled as 'gay', delicate, and playing like a girl have led to body image issues, eating disorders, and depression for many female athletes.
Students' Information
Jennifer Wartel, Business Marketing & Management, Honors Student, Class of 2021