ABSTRACT

The philosophical foundation of modern women’s sport was heavily influenced by medical myths and societal norms that outlined appropriate behavior during the nineteenth century. Thought to be too fragile to participate in vigorous activity or competitive sport, options for physical activity for women were limited. Despite these confines, some women competed in professional sport, including baseball during the 1940s. The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League demonstrated that women’s professional sport was a viable entertainment commodity. Women gained greater access to sport participation throughout the 1960s, which mirrored national gender equity trends. In the early 1970s Billie Jean King brought attention and notoriety to women’s tennis through the now infamous tennis match referred to as the “Battle of the Sexes,” which subsequently led to the establishment of the formation of the Women’s Tennis Association sponsored by a cigarette brand forming the Virginia Slims tennis tour. Various laws passed during the latter half of the twentieth century allowed for the advancement of women’s sport. Arguably the most notable law passed was Title IX, which was designed to eliminate discrimination based on gender in programs offered at federally funded educational institutions. Despite the substantial progress evident today for women’s sport, challenges still exist. Men continue to hold the majority of administrative and head coaching positions within interscholastic and intercollegiate athletics, with similar representation evident in the sport industry. Among professional athletes, men receive more compensation, media coverage, and notoriety perpetuating continuing inequity for women in sport.