Where are all the Female Sports Officals?
Presentation Type
Poster/Portfolio
Presenter Major(s)
Women and Gender Studies, Sociology
Mentor Information
Kathleen Underwood
Department
Women and Gender Studies
Location
Kirkhof Center KC30
Start Date
10-4-2013 11:00 AM
End Date
10-4-2013 12:00 PM
Keywords
Changing Ideas/Changing Worlds, Culture, Gender
Abstract
Over the past 40 years since Title IX was approved, women have made significant gains in many areas of sports participation, yet women are virtually absent from officiating. This project questions why there are so few female officials in Major League Baseball, the National Football League and the National Basketball Association, especially since Title IX is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Through a collection of 200 surveys, the study examines the opinions of Grand Valley State University college students on the role of women officiating in such sports organizations. Preliminary research indicates women are highly discriminated against in the role of officiating and primarily allowed into positions of broadcasting. This research adds a significant dimension to our understanding of the glass ceiling for women.
Where are all the Female Sports Officals?
Kirkhof Center KC30
Over the past 40 years since Title IX was approved, women have made significant gains in many areas of sports participation, yet women are virtually absent from officiating. This project questions why there are so few female officials in Major League Baseball, the National Football League and the National Basketball Association, especially since Title IX is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Through a collection of 200 surveys, the study examines the opinions of Grand Valley State University college students on the role of women officiating in such sports organizations. Preliminary research indicates women are highly discriminated against in the role of officiating and primarily allowed into positions of broadcasting. This research adds a significant dimension to our understanding of the glass ceiling for women.