Abstract
This paper explores the reasons why inequality between men and women still exists in the sports arena and emphasizes that while female teams have come a long way since the Title IX amendment was put into effect, female sports teams still cannot and do not create the money that a big time football program can. The paper asserts that women's sports and athletes will lag behind until they can draw in the same kind of financial numbers as their male counterparts. The writer includes a detailed outline of the paper.

From the Paper
"There are many forms of discrimination. Throughout the ages people have suffered and continue to suffer prejudices against them for reasons such as their race, ethnic group, religion, age and gender. Gender issues are more prevalent than ever, especially in an era where feminism and gender equality are constant topics of contention and debate. When it comes to career autonomy and even sports, there is still a glass ceiling that cannot always be overcome by women in particular. Often women are subjected to "boys clubs" where they have to work above and beyond the capabilities of their male counterparts just to sustain a high management position. Women are constantly challenged in the work place and in sports and despite their best efforts, still must deal with sexual harassment and incomparable pay."

Tags:discrimination, athletes, women, coaches, funding

Abstract
This paper examines four essays on women in sports that focus on how social, economic, and political institutions often marginalize female athletes in U.S. society. It analyzes the historical view that women are inferior to men with regard to athletic prowess. It also includes discussions on political institutions including legislation, colleges and universities.

From the Paper
"A history of sport and women in sport in the United States illustrates how various social economic and political institutions impact the individuals who participate in sport. Historically women have often been viewed ..."

Tags:women, gender, sexuality, media, stereotypes, values, norms, roles, prejudice, marginalization, lesbians, sports, competition, physiology, eating disorders, bias

Abstract
This paper will examine a number of articles taken from contemporary journals that deal with forms of inequality. Two central areas will be examined. First, social inequality in terms of sports participation will be examined. What will be analyzed, and from a 'functionalist' paradigm, are those variables which contribute to the lack of participation in some sports from those individuals in the lower strata, and in turn, some of the general 'causes' of this situation. The second general area which will be examined, is 'inequality' in terms of media representation. Toward this end, the focus will be derived from critical theory in order to discern how it is that certain inequalities are perpetuated in culture, 'via' the media.

Abstract
This paper provides a brief historical overview of the role of women in sports. The paper looks at Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and how judicial interpretation has devalued Title IX policy. The paper argues that a series of court decisions regarding gender equity compliance have effectively dismissed two of the test's three factors and produced a mutated version of the law's founding intent. The paper describes how institutional and agency response to Title IX and to these decisions forces the continual containment of female intercollegiate athletics. Finally, the paper considers the most recent Title IX policy clarifications and concludes that until Title IX is allowed to dismantle the socially constructed dichotomy of femininity and athleticism, it will not eradicate gender inequities. The paper uses MLA style footnotes but does not append a bibliography.

Outline:
Introduction
The Role of Women in Sport-Historical Perspectives
Title IX Policy and Implementing Regulations
Judicial Devaluation of the Three Prong Test
Agency and Institutional Response to Title IX
Title IX at Thirty-The Most Recent Mutation of Gender Equality
Conclusion

From the Paper
"In 1968, a twelve-year old girl was playing catch with her brother before his Little League baseball game. A roving coach noticed her skilled throws and invited her to join her brother's team. Before the enthusiastic girl could shake her head in emphatic affirmation, the coach nonchalantly outlined a couple of caveats - she could play if she cut her hair short, like a boy, and he would call her "Bob." Not brought up to be a "covert operative," she politely declined. Nearly four decades later, accomplished athlete Dot Richardson told this story to the United States Senate as part of her testimony for the promotion and advancement of women in sports. She was that 12-year-old girl, and in the late 1960s and early 1970s, she began her ascent into womanhood in an era when "female" and "athlete" were mutually exclusive terms. Yet, by 1996, having developed into one of the most formidable shortstops in Olympic history, Richardson helped propel the United States softball team to gold-medal glory."

Tags:female, athletes, intercollegiate, college, discrimination, equal, opportunity

Abstract
The paper discusses how in the last century and during the last fifty years in particular, there has been considerable change in our ideology that has enabled women to be more present in the workforce, in the public spheres of life and in previously exclusively male activities. The paper explains that this is because women have been relentless in fighting discrimination against the female gender, carving a place for themselves within the business, educational, professional and political arenas of the society. The paper argues that our view of gender roles has somewhat been transformed, thanks to the women's movement and to increased female presence in all walks of life (politics, business, media, etc).

From the Paper
"In the last century and during the last fifty years in particular, there has been considerable change in our ideology that has enabled women to be more present in the workforce, in the public spheres of life and in previously exclusively male activities. This is because women have been relentless in fighting discrimination against the female gender, carving a place for themselves within the business, educational, professional and political arenas of the society. Our view of gender roles has somewhat been transformed, thanks to the women's movement and to increased female presence in all walks of life (politics, business, media, etc)."

Tags:women, gender, sport

Abstract
In this article the writer points out that when the anti-discriminatory legislative amendment known as Title XI was passed in 1972, many Americans laughed at the idea of women participating in competitive sports at all, much less female sports competing for an equal level of spectator attention and funding at institutions of higher learning. This paper looks at the legacy of Title XI, as today, powerful and positive images of female sports stars such as Venus Williams adorn the covers of magazines, and women everywhere run in marathons, take their daughters to soccer leagues or participate in such leagues themselves, and simply enjoy the delights of hard, physical competitive effort. The writer argues that Title IX must continue to mandate equal funding as without equal funding it will be too easy for colleges and high schools to go back to the old traditions of supporting male sports disproportionately, in comparison to supporting female activities.

From the Paper
"Encouraging women to participate in athletics is not merely an issue of equality in school, or about building champion athletes who can win college championships. It is also an issue of health. As America becomes increasingly concerned about the inactivity of its citizens, encouraging a group of people such as women who have been historically discouraged from being physically active is vital for the well-being of the entire nation. Also, when people compete in athletics, they experience a positive uplift in their sense of self-esteem as well as their physical prowess. Women must see other women, like themselves, participating in sports, rather than simply see images of themselves as spectators on the sidelines to gain this sense of positive esteem."
"Critics of Title XI argue that by requiring institutions of higher learning to provide equal funding and equal opportunities for men and women is not valid, because there is less public interest, amongst both men and women, in collegiate sports."

Tags:discrimination, legislation, female, participation

Abstract
This paper discusses the impact of Title IX on college sports. The paper discusses the effects of activists using Title IX empowerment to advocate for women's sports teams and how and why conservatives resisted their efforts. It shows the development of the concept of women's sports teams and how participation opportunities for both male and female athletes have significantly increased since the passage of Title IX into law during the Nixon Administration.

From the Paper
"In conclusion, Title IX was signed into law by President Nixon on June 23, 1972 and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity, within an institution receiving any type of Federal financial assistance. Because of the broad nature of Title IX legal language and the attitudes of some conservatives about the role of women in society, Title IX has been controversial. But since it became law it has enabled millions of women to participate in college sports, and that benefit far outweighs any relatively minor impact on men's teams or university budgets."

Tags:equality, Nixon, discrimination

Abstract
The paper explains that because athletic funding is only divided by gender, a greater amount of money is being allotted to fewer female athletes, while more male athletes are receiving less. The paper further explains that male dominated programs like football require an enormous amount of funding. The paper suggests a solution that would be to allott funds by the proportion of female and male athletes. The paper believes that this would reduce the controversy surrounding Title IX and its impact on college sports.

From the Paper
"In 1972, Title IX of the Education Amendments was passed as part of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title IX states that no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Though the original statute makes no particular mention of athletic programs, the effects of Title IX on school sports has been astounding. The controversy surrounding Title IX is a result of its effects on men's athletics, though it has allowed for valuable improvements in female participation and their opportunities for non-discriminant education. Simple changes that could be made regarding distribution of funds would reduce controversy and allow for greater support for the continuation of the amendment, which is necessary due to the lack of other non-discrimination laws and the benefits Title IX has brought to women's academics and athletics."

Tags:feminism, women, discrimination, funding, athletics, football

Abstract
This paper discusses the phenomenon of sexism in the media. This is done by an examination of sports coverage. The paper explains that gender differences and inequality in media coverage are very prevalent in the area of sports or athletic coverage. Women are not only portrayed less often than men, but also with a more sexist scope and utilization of language. The paper offers a suggestion to correct this problem.

From the Paper
"Sexist portrayal of men's versus women's athletic events and sporting events has prevailed in the media for some time. Armstrong and Hallmark (1999) note that until very recently, women in profession NCAA Division I women's basketball teams, though popular, had received "virtually no television exposure" during key station segments; women also suffered unfavorable practice times and "hand me down uniforms" (p. 1). Perhaps no other area of media portrayal reveals as much gender inequality as the portrayal of women athletes. This is not because of a lack of interest in female sports necessarily. More and more women are participating in sports formerly considered male only."

Tags:women, sports, discrimination, television

Abstract
This paper examines how far women have advanced in the sporting presentation arena, yet how far they still need to go. The paper shows that despite anti-discrimination laws, women do still not receive full credibility and are sometimes seen as mere attraction points for men to watch the sport being covered. This paper looks at the history of women sportscasters and discusses whether they should be granted more credibility.

From the Paper
"Women have come a long way in sportscasting; from just another "Barbie-on-the-air" image to complement the sportscasting done by men, to today's qualified and respected professional hired for her skills and knowledge. In this day of anti-discrimination laws and a greater acceptance of women traditional men's roles, it would be expected that women sportscasters would enjoy the same acceptance as men in their same field. This is not the case however, and women sportscasters often face a credibility issue with their male counterparts."

Tags:sport, presentation, female, women, discrimination