Challenging the Female /Athlete Paradox: Gender Performances of Elite Women Athletes
Ross, Sally Rea
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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/86008
Description
Title
Challenging the Female /Athlete Paradox: Gender Performances of Elite Women Athletes
Author(s)
Ross, Sally Rea
Issue Date
2005
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Shinew, Kimberly J.
Department of Study
Recreation, Sport and Tourism
Discipline
Recreation, Sport and Tourism
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Sociology, General
Language
eng
Abstract
Women athletes have made significant gains in sport opportunities and resources. The influx of girls and women into the sport environment has impacted the culture of sport, and thus it is no longer unusual to see girls and women competing. An emerging acceptance of women athletes has challenged male supremacy in sport. Despite some groundbreaking changes, traditional notions of appropriate gender behavior may continue to constrain women athletes based upon socially consensual expectations of appearance and behavior. This dissertation examines social meanings and realities constructed by present-day college women athletes competing in softball and gymnastics. Based on an interpretive framework, this research focuses on contemporary gender expectations and the image construction undertaken by elite athletes inside and outside of the sport context. Constraints in sport associated with appropriate gender displays are addressed, as are differential gender performances of women athletes related to group membership, environment and audience.
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