Nationality and gender in sports photography: a case study on portrayals of figure skaters at Torino Winter Olympics

Abstract

This case study examines the images of figure skaters in the photo essays of two popular web sites Time.com and SI.com (Sports Illustrated) using semiotic analysis. The findings of the study show both reinforcement and contradictions in representation of gender and national identities. Female figure skaters were given greater prominence than male figure skaters in the photo essays, but they were also sexualised and feminised. An interesting interplay of masculinity and femininity was noted in the images of both male and female figure skaters. American bias was noted in the representations, however several contradictions also appeared. Discussion and implications of the study emphasise the changing and fluid nature of gender and nationality identity constructs in media representation.

Keywords:

• masculinity
• femininity
• figure skating
• nationality
• semiotic analysis
• photo essays