becoming a man while playing a female sport

Societal pressures on males participating in traditionally

feminized sports.

Becoming a man while playing a female sport

Presented by: Joel Want, David Nippard, and Alex Vanderlinden

Overview

What is the problem? Males sexuality is being questioned when participating in

traditionally feminized sports.Why is it a problem?

Males avoid feminized sports to preserve their perceived heterosexuality.

Examples of feminized sportsPeer interviews Solutions to the problem

What is the Problem?

Sports which are judged by their aesthetics and not through force of competition are seen as feminine by modern society.

These sports, therefore, are deemed ‘second tier’ and inferior to male sport (Jarratt, 1991 p.491).

Why is this a Problem?

Judging a sport to be ‘feminine’ prevents heterosexual males from participating to maintain their sexuality.

Males will abandon their pursuit of athletic excellence in order to maintain their perceived masculinity.

Sports that are considered “Feminine”

Figure skatingDanceCheerleadingGymnasticsSwimmingTennis

Characteristics of Figure Skating

Figure skating performances depend on the ability to choreograph and execute a routine.

Routines are based on: Skating skills (use of edges, turns, flow, speed and

acceleration, multi-directional skating, and one-foot skating)

Transitions (From jump to spin, etc.) Interpretation and timing.

American Figure SkaterWinner of the 1988

Calgary Olympics, 1986 and 1988 World Championship.

Delegate Sochi 2014 Olympics. Controversy before attending

Sochi.

Brian Boitano

Recent controversy

Interviews

Is there such thing as masculine and feminine sports?

If so, what sports do you consider to be feminine?

what specifically makes this sports feminine in your opinion?

Do you view this ideal as helpful or harmful to society?

Would you or have you ever consider becoming a figure skater? Why or why not?

Testimonials

Solution to the problem

Education In schools, young age

More opportunity More media coverage to increase awareness

of the sport