In 1970 only 1 in 27 girls participated in high school sports, today that ratio is 1 in 3. Sports are a very important part of the American society. Within sports heroes are made, goals are set and dreams are lived. The media makes all these things possible by creating publicity for the rising stars of today. Within society today, the media has downplayed the role of the woman within sports. When the American people think of women in sports, they think of ice skating, field hockey and diving.
People dont recognize that women have the potential to play any sport that a Man can play, with equal skill, if not better. Much has changed for women since the 1970s. One of the most important events that have happened in the world of female athletics is the establishment of professional athletics for women. Educational Amendments of 1972. These amendments assure that everyone who wants an education is treated equally no matter what race or gender, to create opportunities for everyone. Most important of those amendments is Title IX. 1.
It 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 educational program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. Title IX applies to all educational institutions, both public and private, that receive federal funds. Almost all private colleges and universities must abide by Title IX. Athletics are not the specific target for Title IX; Athletics programs are considered educational programs and activities.
There are three basic parts of Title IX as it applies to athletics: 1. ) Participation: does not require institutions to offer identical sports but an equal opportunity to play; 2. ) Scholarships 3. ) Other benefits: Title IX requires the equal treatment of female and male student-athletes such as: equip, games, tutoring. These new regulations have brought in a wave of girls into the college athletic scene. 2. Today, more girls are encouraged to participate in sports and other activities. College is now a possible option in a young woman’s decision for Post High School Plans.
Now a job, beyond being a wife and mother, is well within reach. As women competed publicly, they gained more respect. Becoming Role Models for millions of little girls and young women who could now truly dream about a life in professional sports. Becuz now there are both male and female leagues. Now that Women R competing on national television has continued to break down stereotypes that women are incapable of being competitive, intense, physically strong, and skilled. Public exposure is one of the most important ways to gain access & opportunity.
Many improvements have been made over the years, mainly in the last 30 years since Title IX was enacted. Its not only important in athletics but also in education. In 1972, women earned 9% of medical degrees. A few years ago, that percentage was up to 38%. Law degrees, 7% to 43%. All of these increases give reason to celebrate what Title IX has accomplished. There are many COMPLAINTS about the slow moving progress of Title IX. This is more obvious in the athletic arena: Female participation in athletics has increased dramatically since 1971, when there was only an 8% participation rate among high school girls.
And only recently it rose to 40%. Meanwhile, boys participation has remained fairly stable. Opponents of title IX claim that it should not be enforced in college athletics because there is a lack of athletic interest on the part of college females. I think its the opposite now its not the lack of interest thats the problem but the lack of opportunity and positions open. Its hard if you R not one of the ones who made All State and UR being recruited by everyone. Title IX has made it easier for anyone to go out there and play sports whether it be in high school or college.
Or BEYOND Two years after the introduction of this law, Billie Jean King and Donna de Varona, two of the first women to successfully compete in professional sports, founded the Womens Sports Foundation. Today, other female role models like Jackie Joyner Kersee, Kristi Yamaguchi, and Picabo Street support this establishment, whose slogan reads:GIVING GIRLS A CHANCE TO PLAY. This program works to ensure that girls are given the same opportunities as boys and to teach women about their rights.
Since sports are some of the most public events, they are of the best ways for women to express their strength and ability to be as effective as men are. This Helps in breaking down sexist barriers that still exist. When people have more open-minded attitudes about female abilities, it opens the door for women to be convinced of their qualifications, gain hope, and perceive increased opportunity. Title IX has been one of the most influential laws with respect to women, and specifically female athletes, because it required, among other things, gender equity in athletics.
Today’s female student -athletes have been fortunate enough to experience the whole of their athletic careers under a system that includes improvements in the overall quality of their sport as well as increased participation rates. This has provided them with more opportunities in educational and occupational arenas as well as in life. Conclusion: Now, amidst controversy and comparisons to affirmative action, it is critical to be aware of the opportunities that Title IX gives to women in what is still a male dominated world.
For this reason, its existence is necessary and requires a greater effort to enforce gender equity for continued progress. Increased female participation in sports and Title IX has changed the political position of girls and young women. Both have challenged and continue to destroy myths that women are inferior to men. They fight stereotypes that women do not have interest in traditionally male-dominated activities. By breaking down these barriers, female opportunity can only continue to soar.