Research on Educational Sport

Sociological Analysis and Investigation of the Gender Dominant Stereotypes on Women's Sports

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Samaneh Nazari 1
Rahim Ramezaninejad 2
Hamid reza Goharrostami 3
Mohammad Mahdi Rahmati 4

1 Ph.D. Student in Sport Management, Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran

2 Professor of Sports Management, Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran

3 Assistant professor of Sport Management, Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran.

4 Associate Professor of Sociology, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.22089/res.2023.14457.2358
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Background and Purpose
Gender and gender stereotypes in sports constitute a significant and unique area of sociological inquiry. Gender stereotypes comprise widely held socio-cultural beliefs attributing specific traits and capabilities to men and women. Despite notable progress in women's participation in sports, the domain remains predominantly perceived as male. Sports are intimately linked with cultural constructs of masculinity and femininity, with societal pressures regarding gender stereotypes more intensely affecting women than men. This study aims to conduct a sociological analysis of gender stereotypes in women's sports to uncover their mechanisms and contribute to narrowing the gender gap in this field.
 
Methods
This qualitative study applied thematic analysis to systematically examine prevailing gender stereotypes in women's sports. Employing purposeful theoretical sampling, the research selected sources providing rich, relevant data addressing the research question. A comprehensive literature search using keywords such as gender stereotypes, sports, women’s sports, gender norms, and stereotypical thinking gathered 150 validated studies from reputable databases including Google Scholar, Sage, ScienceDirect, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, Scimago, and ISC. Data were analyzed following theme network and comparative thematic formats. Textual content was refined by identifying semantically related phrases, sentences, and references, which were then coded. Coding continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. The resulting thematic network delineated gender stereotypes influencing women's sports. Validity was ensured via expert review and feedback on the analytical results.
 
Results
Thematic analysis revealed four organizing themes: gender identity stereotypes, body identity stereotypes, sports identity stereotypes, and media representation of gender stereotypes, all united under the overarching semantic theme of gender-dominant stereotypes impacting women’s sports.
The gender identity stereotypes theme centered on “ideal femininity” and “elusive masculinity.” “Ideal femininity” encompassed maintaining feminine attractiveness, slenderness, adherence to traditional norms, and seeking approval rooted in feminine characteristics. “Elusive masculinity” involved avoidance of masculinization, fear of muscularity, stigma related to crossing femininity boundaries, and stereotype threat.
Body identity stereotypes comprised “muscle phobia” and “female body norms.” “Muscle phobia” highlighted the preference for elegance, resistance to muscular development, and alignment with conventional beauty standards. “Female body norms” reflected the idealization of balanced and delicate female athlete physiques and gendered perceptions of bodily form.
Sports identity stereotypes included “sports participation stereotypes,” “sports-specific stereotypes,” and “functional gender stereotypes.” “Sports participation stereotypes” involved beliefs limiting women’s suitability for sports and stereotypes across different disciplines. “Sports-specific stereotypes” discouraged women’s involvement in high-impact or competitive sports while endorsing activities like gymnastics. “Functional gender stereotypes” perpetuated notions of women’s physical weakness, undermined female athletic performance, and trivialized their achievements.
Media representation of gender stereotypes emphasized the overshadowing of sports performance by femininity and sexualization, gender discrimination, patriarchal dominance in media portrayals, and negative biases toward female athletes.
 
Conclusion
Women’s bodies are socially constructed objects subject to gendered stereotypes mandating a carefully maintained feminine identity. Female athletes confront persistent anxieties about muscularity and pressures to conform to slender, balanced body ideals. Society often fails to adequately support women’s sports participation, categorizing female athletes as inherently weak and occasionally restricting access to certain sports. Media representations prioritize sexuality over athletic skill, reinforcing gender biases. Achieving gender equity in sports requires dismantling these pervasive stereotypes and implementing structured empowerment initiatives within national development agendas.
 
Extended Abstract
Background and Purpose
Gender and gender stereotypes in sports constitute a significant and unique area of sociological inquiry. Gender stereotypes comprise widely held socio-cultural beliefs attributing specific traits and capabilities to men and women. Despite notable progress in women's participation in sports, the domain remains predominantly perceived as male. Sports are intimately linked with cultural constructs of masculinity and femininity, with societal pressures regarding gender stereotypes more intensely affecting women than men. This study aims to conduct a sociological analysis of gender stereotypes in women's sports to uncover their mechanisms and contribute to narrowing the gender gap in this field.
 
Methods
This qualitative study applied thematic analysis to systematically examine prevailing gender stereotypes in women's sports. Employing purposeful theoretical sampling, the research selected sources providing rich, relevant data addressing the research question. A comprehensive literature search using keywords such as gender stereotypes, sports, women’s sports, gender norms, and stereotypical thinking gathered 150 validated studies from reputable databases including Google Scholar, Sage, ScienceDirect, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, Scimago, and ISC. Data were analyzed following theme network and comparative thematic formats. Textual content was refined by identifying semantically related phrases, sentences, and references, which were then coded. Coding continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. The resulting thematic network delineated gender stereotypes influencing women's sports. Validity was ensured via expert review and feedback on the analytical results.
 
Results
Thematic analysis revealed four organizing themes: gender identity stereotypes, body identity stereotypes, sports identity stereotypes, and media representation of gender stereotypes, all united under the overarching semantic theme of gender-dominant stereotypes impacting women’s sports.
The gender identity stereotypes theme centered on “ideal femininity” and “elusive masculinity.” “Ideal femininity” encompassed maintaining feminine attractiveness, slenderness, adherence to traditional norms, and seeking approval rooted in feminine characteristics. “Elusive masculinity” involved avoidance of masculinization, fear of muscularity, stigma related to crossing femininity boundaries, and stereotype threat.
Body identity stereotypes comprised “muscle phobia” and “female body norms.” “Muscle phobia” highlighted the preference for elegance, resistance to muscular development, and alignment with conventional beauty standards. “Female body norms” reflected the idealization of balanced and delicate female athlete physiques and gendered perceptions of bodily form.
Sports identity stereotypes included “sports participation stereotypes,” “sports-specific stereotypes,” and “functional gender stereotypes.” “Sports participation stereotypes” involved beliefs limiting women’s suitability for sports and stereotypes across different disciplines. “Sports-specific stereotypes” discouraged women’s involvement in high-impact or competitive sports while endorsing activities like gymnastics. “Functional gender stereotypes” perpetuated notions of women’s physical weakness, undermined female athletic performance, and trivialized their achievements.
Media representation of gender stereotypes emphasized the overshadowing of sports performance by femininity and sexualization, gender discrimination, patriarchal dominance in media portrayals, and negative biases toward female athletes.
 
Conclusion
Women’s bodies are socially constructed objects subject to gendered stereotypes mandating a carefully maintained feminine identity. Female athletes confront persistent anxieties about muscularity and pressures to conform to slender, balanced body ideals. Society often fails to adequately support women’s sports participation, categorizing female athletes as inherently weak and occasionally restricting access to certain sports. Media representations prioritize sexuality over athletic skill, reinforcing gender biases. Achieving gender equity in sports requires dismantling these pervasive stereotypes and implementing structured empowerment initiatives within national development agendas.
Keywords: Stereotype, Women’s Sports, Gender Norms, Gender Equality
 Article Message
Despite advancements in women’s sports, persistent gender stereotypes and discriminatory narratives hinder achievement and equality. Nonetheless, the gradual erosion of these stereotypes alongside outstanding female athletic accomplishments indicates the potential for sports to challenge traditional gender norms. Research of this nature can inform societal attitudes and positively influence sports policies to support women’s full participation and success.
 
Ethical Considerations
All ethical guidelines pertinent to this study were strictly observed.
Authors’ Contributions
All authors contributed equally to this research.
Conflict of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest related to this study.
Acknowledgments
We express gratitude to all individuals who contributed support throughout this research.
 
Article Message
Despite advancements in women’s sports, persistent gender stereotypes and discriminatory narratives hinder achievement and equality. Nonetheless, the gradual erosion of these stereotypes alongside outstanding female athletic accomplishments indicates the potential for sports to challenge traditional gender norms. Research of this nature can inform societal attitudes and positively influence sports policies to support women’s full participation and success.
 
Ethical Considerations
All ethical guidelines pertinent to this study were strictly observed.
Authors’ Contributions
All authors contributed equally to this research.
Conflict of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest related to this study.
Acknowledgments
We express gratitude to all individuals who contributed support throughout this research.
 

Keywords

Stereotype
women's sports
gender norms
gender equality

Main Subjects

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Research on Educational Sport
Volume 13, Issue 38
August 2025
Pages 91-112

  • Receive Date 10 March 2023
  • Revise Date 17 June 2023
  • Accept Date 16 August 2023

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