Many women athletes are subject to discrimination because of their appearance. This can be changed. First, you can control your body image. Participating in social media can challenge gender stereotypes. You can also advocate for gender equality. These tips will assist you in becoming an active member of the sport community.
Regaining control over your body image
Female athletes are starting to take back control over how they look. These female athletes spoke out about the negative effects of being "perfect" on their mental and physical performance. Gracie Gold and Allie Ostrander are just two of the many athletes who have discussed their struggle with body image. These athletes want everyone to understand that having a body which does not meet a certain standard is not an indication of weakness.
Despite being under enormous pressure to improve their body image, female athletes are still at risk for developing body dissatisfaction. A mental condition called body dissatisfaction, which results in negative thoughts about one's body and the perception of a body that is smaller than the ideal body size. The context and function of the body can affect how you perceive it. In a recent study, female collegiate athletes participated in a program called "Bodies in Motion," which aims to help athletes develop a positive body image.
Change the stereotypes of female athletes
It is important for female athletes to break down gendered stereotypes. Many girls and ladies are discouraged form participating in sport because of the stereotypes surrounding them. These stereotypes can be overcome by changing the culture at home. It starts at home by teaching girls and women how to respect each other, and how to be different. It also involves changing the way we talk and act about women. Changes in our language and actions can make female athletes more appealing to the public.
While research on female athletes has largely focused on the bipolarity of masculinity and femininity, little has been done about androgyny. Androgyny is a middle ground between masculinity and femininity and suggests that a female athlete can be both male and female at the same time. This gender identity is a mix of assertiveness and gentleness, independence and dependence, competitive and passive, and can even be independent and dependent. A woman can display both masculine and feminine qualities which can be very empowering.
Participation in social media
Through social media, it is possible to inspire younger female athletes to take up sports. Social media is one way for female athletes to be inspired by stories about other women who play the sport. Last night, the UConn Huskies beat the Baylor Bears, and the entire social media space was dominated by the game. Although the final score was 69 to67 for the Huskies and the controversial call was the highlight of the evening, it was still a memorable game.
Participating in social media can help young women get involved in sports and improve their overall health. Many female athletes are now using social media as a way to promote themselves. It is difficult to find out how women athletes present themselves online, however.
Managing gender stereotypes
When it comes to sports, women are often faced with gender stereotypes, and this can limit their participation. They may choose not to emphasize their athletic accomplishments, and instead focus on other sports with less stigmatization. These issues are a reflection of larger cultural attitudes about athletic women. Problem is, these stereotypes are the greatest barriers to female participation in sports.
First, women athletes have to face the problem of public perception. Women are often seen as submissive or objectified by the public. In addition, male athletes are often viewed as heroic and masculine while female athletes are seen as wives and daughters. This vicious cycle of gender stereotypes leads to the sexualization, and even objectification, of female athletes. The recent USA Gymnastics scandal has thrown a spotlight on this problem.