User:Dlapis/Gender inequality

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Gender Inequality in sports has been a significant issue and ongoing discussion throughout the years. Women have suffered from pay inequality, lack of proper media coverage, and have faced institutionalized sexism and unequal opportunities in and outside of the sports industry. Despite the movement we've seen as a result of the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, there are still large discrepancies between the opportunities and experiences of men and women in sports.

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Often times, women's sports have been classified as less entertaining and exciting as men's sports but this may possibly be due to the lack of screen time that professional women's sports receive from the media. In studies found by the International Journal of Sport Communication, it was reported that women's sports receive less than 10 percent of all sports media coverage and less than 2 percent of the sports covered are perceived as masculine. Female athletes typically only receive media coverage for their involvement in sports that are viewed as traditionally feminine. Additionally, reporters have a long history of focusing on matters of women's personal lives that correlate with gender stereotypes rather than their notable athletic achievements. The minimal coverage of women's sports in the media diminishes the value of women in sports and hinder female athletes from gaining the same attention and opportunities as male athletes.

The Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 was introduced as an effort to prevent discrimination on the basis of gender and sex in federally funded programs including sports. This compliance extends to many athletic resources, opportunities, and facilities. After the passing of Title IX, it was reported that the amount of female athletes raised from 8 to 69 percent. Despite the noncompliance of several collegiate institutions, Title IX has created many opportunities for women in the sports industry to become more involved and competitive.