The value of female sporting role models

Abstract

Historical and sociocultural associations between sport and masculinity still determine the predominance of male ‘sporting role models’ (SRMs) in many parts of the world. The lack of female SRMs is one common theme among Sport for Development and Peace (SDP) publications. This article features potential benefits of available and relevant female SRMs in general and for SDP in particular. Findings from African case studies help to contextualize the theoretical concepts presented. Moreover, assumed functions and claims attributed to well-known top sportswomen or recreational female coaches are categorized. Different types and attributes of SRMs are identified which may enable SDP programmes to further enhance gender equity and empowerment. Thereby, key issues such as ethnicity, sexual orientation, patriarchy, type of sports, patriotism, and media coverage are considered.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

^1. Benjamin Elijah Mays (1894–1984) was an American minister, sociologist, and civil rights activist.

^2. See http://www.iwg-gti.org/@Bin/22427/Brighton+Declaration_EN.pdf; http://www.canada2002.org/tool_eng.html

^3. Bryan Habana (Rugby), Makhaya Ntini (Cricket), and Serena and Venus Williams (Tennis).

^4. In 2008, Natalie du Toit was the first-ever athlete to participate in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the same year.

^5. South Africa won only one Olympic silver in Beijing 2008 and ranked at the 70th medal count position. In contrast, the South African Paralympic team 2008 won 30 medals and achieved the 6th position.

^6. Some SRMs, of course, are simultaneously involved in more than one sub-function.

^7. After winning the women's 800-m IAAF World Championship race in Berlin, Semenya was confronted with accusations regarding her sex, suspended, and forced to undergo highly questionable tests. After lengthy assessments, the runner was finally rehabilitated in 2010.

^8. See http://www.awid.org/eng/Library/Caster-Semenya-is-a-hero-but-in-South-Africa-being-different-can-be-deadly-for-a-woman

^9. Association of Kigali Women in Sports.