Adolescence and sports

However, the participation of male and female adolescents in sports is explained along the social constructions of gender. Gender refers to a social construct used to classify a set of appropriate behaviors to the female or male gender. Sport is historically associated with the male gender and women participation in sports is considered inappropriate. Such perceptions lead to gender inequality. Gender constructs in adolescence and sports perpetuate gender inequality through male domination in sports arenas. Upward trajectories in this underrepresentation are likely to push females away from games. Female adolescents face gender issues as sports participants and as sports management personnel. As conceptualized by Chalabaev et al. (2013), women lack leadership positions in sports due to the gendered nature of games. Also, al sporting activities take place within a hegemonic masculine environment suggesting that women have limited roles in games.

Selection of the sport, training facilities, sports equipment, uniform, and coaching rely on a person’s social class (Seabra et al. Most people perceive sport as an activity for everyone irrespective of gender. However, during formal organization of sports, various factors embed on material aspects of the participants. Money plays a critical role in platting various sports and obtains the necessary materials needed for effective development of sports skills. In a society where social class is measured in terms of wealth possession and income levels, it is hard for participants from low-income families to have a place in sports. According to Sabo and Veliz (2016), female adolescents lack equal opportunities in games due to the perceptions of psychological differences between female and male participants, social norms and attitudes, and sports rules and support.

Further Kanters et al. (2012) suggests that gendered hindrances to female adolescents participating in sports include competing time demands, unfavorable sporting gears, and prohibitive costs. Recent research shows that many adolescence sports organizations such as high school organizations have reduced support on female coaches and administrators. Moreover, professional development programs for female adolescents have not been widely sponsored. Additionally, female participants are vulnerable to molestation by male participants and coaches (Fasting, 2017). Sexual harassment in sports is executed along the assumptions of building trust and friendship. The participant-coach relationships lead to the formation of intimate bonds where the coach is likely to interfere with many aspects of the participants’ private life. The intrusion is often unnoticed, and most female victims are not willing to talk about for fear of being thrown out of the sport.

Sexual assault can lead to unwanted pregnancies and contraction of sexually transmitted diseases. Along with such sacrifices, female participants of sports lack facilities and support for balancing their studies and sports career. The gendered division of labor and expectations hinder girls from participating actively in sports. Gender perceptions also offer female players with little support and resources required for the successful sport. In the sports arena, there is the inequitable distribution of and access to resources between male and female players. Without equitable distribution and access to sports facilities and resources, female players experience a rough time overcoming the cultural barriers (Abdel-Shehid and Halifax, 2015). One measure is to support female sports through an equal distribution of resources and support. Female sports require assistance and adequate sports just like male sports.

Adolescents are most vulnerable to depression caused by failed activities. Therefore, channeling sufficient resources towards female sports will make female adolescents feel appreciated. Also, support is also likely to change the participants’ self-perception and confidence in sports programs. The sports programs should be adequately integrated into the community and contexts in which they occur. This will ensure that the programs utilize inputs, knowledge, and resources from the community. As a result, the programs will have lasting impacts on the community. For instance, programs emphasizing on the participation of females in sports are likely to eliminate the perception of sporting as a masculine activity. In conclusion, gender in adolescence and sports increases inequality.  Neoliberal ism, 428. Channon, A. , & Phipps, C. Pink gloves still give black eyes: Exploring ‘alternative’femininity in women’s combat sports.