Sex & Gender (Part 2) PDF

Sex & Gender (Part 2) Socio-Cultural Perspectives in Kinesiology © Hayhurst, 2024 Agenda Sport as a Human Right Media Representation of Female Athletes Emphasized Femininity in Sports Debate on Sex Segregation in Sports Gender Verification & Case Studies...

Sex & Gender (Part 2) Socio-Cultural Perspectives in Kinesiology © Hayhurst, 2024 Agenda Sport as a Human Right Media Representation of Female Athletes Emphasized Femininity in Sports Debate on Sex Segregation in Sports Gender Verification & Case Studies (Semenya, Khelif) Intersectionality in Policies: Race, Gender & ‘Fairness’ Human Rights and Ethical Implications in Sport Review from Monday’s Lecture Differences between sex and gender Gender as a social construct Hegemonic masculinity and gender norms in sport Challenges for gender-diverse youth Trauma-informed and inclusive sports approaches Sport as a Human Right UN Declaration of Human Rights: Everyone has the right to participate in cultural life, including sports. Sport as a vehicle for equality, health, and community → inclusive access. Gender, sexuality, ability, race, and socio-economic status often limit access = barriers to participation. Ensuring accessible facilities, supportive policies, and equal funding. Female Athletes & Sport Media Female athletes receive limited media coverage Media often emphasizes appearance over skill Reinforces traditional gender norms “Research also suggests that mainstream media coverage still tends to focus most on female athletes who fall within the parameters of dominant femininity (e.g., women who are white, able-bodied, middle- class, and considered conventionally attractive)” (Adams & Barnes, 2024, p. 15, italics Canada’s Francoise Abanda added for emphasis). Emphasized Femininity & Stereotypes in the Media Emphasized femininity (Dworkin & Messner, 2002) World Athletics race walker (competed for Canada 1981- 1992); Founder of ‘AthletesCAN’ Ann Peel (“note the pearl earrings”) Pressure on athletes to conform to traditional femininity Strategies: Make-up, jewelry, and attire Additional pressures faced by athletes of colour. © Ann Peel  Emily Mistretta Separate Events for Men & Women Sex-segregated sports are “standard practice” Claims of fairness due to physical differences Maintains binary gender norms Excludes nonbinary and gender- diverse athletes (Adams & Barnes, 2024). Separate Events: Impact & Alternatives Binary divisions limit visibility for nonbinary athletes Reinforces binary thinking in sports culture Proposals for open categories and more inclusive practices? Questions to consider: 1. What are some of the benefits of reimagining sport beyond binary categories? 2. How could sport be made more inclusive for transgender and nonbinary athletes? 3. Are you aware of any such efforts in your own community? How would such efforts change sport generally (Adams & Barnes, 2024, p. 42). “Gender Verification” & Sex Testing in Sport “The problem with “sex tests” is that there is no exact standard by which one can determine exactly who is and who is not a woman. Humans do not divide neatly into the subclasses of male and female. Upon which criteria would one determine who belongs in which category? Genitalia? The rate of sexual indeterminacy has been estimated to be between 1 in 1,500 and 1 in 2,000 births (Intersex Society of North America, n.d.). Hormones? Both male and female bodies produce so- called male and female hormones, and there is no absolute level or ratio that separates one sex from the other. Chromosomes? Even the IOC eventually admitted that these are unreliable,” (Adams & Barnes, 2024, p. 20-21). Case Study – Caster Semenya Required to undergo hormone treatments to compete Highlights intersectional discrimination: gender, race, class, sexuality Broader implications for bodily autonomy 29:18 – 30:42 Caster Semenya (continued) Mandated therapy challenges autonomy and performance Effects on health and career longevity Critiques of regulating natural hormone levels Caster Semenya: Broader Implications for Global Sports Policy Human rights debates in global sporting bodies (e.g., IOC, World Athletics) “Many women’s organizations and sports organizations, including the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, argue that sex verification testing should be abolished,” (Adams & Barnes, 2024, p. 22). Shift in discourse: Fairness vs. inclusivity Calls for policy reform to uphold athlete dignity Case Study – Carini vs. Khelif Italian boxer Angela Carini vs. Algerian boxer Imane Khelif Backlash questioning Khelif’s gender Reflects biases in gender verification Links to global conservatism and resistance to diversity Carini vs. Khelif: Ethical Implications & Gender Verification Gender testing – International Boxing Association’s lack of transparency Lack of accountability in testing procedures Perpetuating discrimination under the guise of fairness and protection of women’s sport  Need for more transparency, fairness, and ethical practices in sports governance, Ongoing reform required Gender, Race and How can sports to truly be inclusive? ‘Fairness’ in Sport Policies need to better account for diversity of gender expressions and identities How can we honour athletes’ rights and better recognize social responsibilities of sports organizations?  Key Takeaways Re-envisioning sports to include all gender identities challenges outdated views and seeks to reflect principles of dignity, fairness, and equality. Adopting intersectional and inclusive approaches can transform sports Inclusive sports are built on ongoing learning, critical reflection, and commitment to diverse policies and practices that uplift marginalized voices. Ensuring sports are genuinely equitable means actively reshaping policies and programs to support and celebrate the full spectrum of identities, creating a space of safety and belonging for all athletes.