The One.. Two.... Many Gender Model & Sport by https://padlet.com/skelly411/h68usb37sktk This padlet explores the complexities of gender representation in modern day sport en-us 2018-08-25 10:07:42 UTC 2026-02-05 22:37:55 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Prizecup.png skelly411 https://padlet.com/skelly411/h68usb37sktk/wish/275308427 2018-08-25 10:17:30 UTC https://padlet.com/skelly411/h68usb37sktk/wish/275308427 Reflection skelly411 https://padlet.com/skelly411/h68usb37sktk/wish/277906121 This padlet explores the complexities involved with gender representation in sport. Historically, sport was seen as a 'man's domain' a way for men to display feats of courage and strength. Ancient games such as the olympics were men only. Not until the 1900s did women's participation in sports emerge. This social transformation from a one to two gender model was a significant advancement in equality for women. It proved that women not being able to physically or emotionally compete was a mere social construct. 

Despite these improvements, significant challenges exist today with the need to understand the complexities around the participation of athletes who do not fit the "two gender model." Modern day arguments of gender not being biological, however a social construct, presents cases where the gender lines are blurring. Individuals are choosing not to associate with a specific gender. Furthermore, although male and female representation in sport has seen a significant improvement, it excludes participation for some. in particular, for transgender athletes or athletes whose genetic hormones do not meet societies norm.

The case of Caster Semenya and Lynsey Sharp, is an example of the complexities of finding an equitable solution for all athletes. On one hand, Caster Semenya, a female athlete whose testosterone levels are far higher than society's female 'accepted state'. She has been provided the opportunity to compete in the women's Olympic which is a huge success in overcoming past inequalities, leading to her achieving her dreams of winning olympic gold. On the other hand, Lynsey Sharp, societies 'typical female athlete' who see's herself up against a woman with the strength and power (in her mind) she cannot possibly compete with. She  feels devastated at what she perceives as an inequality within the sport and her dreams of an olympic gold being out of reach. 

Finally, Hannah Mouncey a womens AFL footballer also represents a compelling case of a transgender athlete who is unable to compete at the highest level due to rules imposed on her. There is a strong case for both Hannah Mouncey and Caster Semeya to continue to be afforded the opportunity to compete at the highest level, however, there is a complex balance of achieving equality when both athletes are arguably at an advantage due to their hormonal genetics. As seen with the 100k boy playing rubgy, argument exists that it is not simply a matter of gender, however, there needs to be rules in place ensuring a 'level playing ground' regardless of gender. However, this argument continues to ensure that a minority is not provided the same rights as those who meet societies 'two gender model', This is issue clearly needs more attention and discussion to reach an equitable balance.]]> 2018-09-05 10:51:34 UTC https://padlet.com/skelly411/h68usb37sktk/wish/277906121 "Caster Semenya should be celebrated for her gifts, not punished, one of Britain’s most respected athletes has said on the eve of the London leg of the Diamond League season." skelly411 https://padlet.com/skelly411/h68usb37sktk/wish/277906367 2018-09-05 10:53:02 UTC https://padlet.com/skelly411/h68usb37sktk/wish/277906367 This video of Caster Semenya and Lynsey Sharp following the 800m final of 2016 Rio Olympics captures the complexity and sensitivity of the issue. Caster Semenya at a high after achieving her dreams and Lynsey Sharp devastated by the feeling her dreams may be always out of reach under the current rules. skelly411 https://padlet.com/skelly411/h68usb37sktk/wish/277907801 2018-09-05 11:00:40 UTC https://padlet.com/skelly411/h68usb37sktk/wish/277907801 Hannah Mouncey knocked back from playing AFLW skelly411 https://padlet.com/skelly411/h68usb37sktk/wish/277908780 "The AFL based its decision on the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act, which states athletes can be discriminated against based on their sex “if strength, stamina or physique is relevant”."]]> 2018-09-05 11:06:35 UTC https://padlet.com/skelly411/h68usb37sktk/wish/277908780 Podcast: Episode 10: Sports, Sex, and Gender skelly411 https://padlet.com/skelly411/h68usb37sktk/wish/277909630 Verification Processes

"Preventing men from competing in women’s sports in order to gain an unfair competitive advantage."

"Resulted in the exclusion of intersex and transgender athletes."

"They don’t fit neatly into the classical categories of male and female."

]]> 2018-09-05 11:11:54 UTC https://padlet.com/skelly411/h68usb37sktk/wish/277909630 A modern battle has commenced challenging the norm of a two sex dominated sporting industry skelly411 https://padlet.com/skelly411/h68usb37sktk/wish/277910707 2018-09-05 11:17:55 UTC https://padlet.com/skelly411/h68usb37sktk/wish/277910707 Argument: It's not a matter of gender? skelly411 https://padlet.com/skelly411/h68usb37sktk/wish/277911300 "Can you imagine your seven-year-old being taunted and called a freak for his size?"

"What if he was told that he was no longer allowed to play his favourite sport because – through no fault of his own – he might hurt the other children?"

]]> 2018-09-05 11:21:30 UTC https://padlet.com/skelly411/h68usb37sktk/wish/277911300 skelly411 https://padlet.com/skelly411/h68usb37sktk/wish/278747140 Originating in 7th century BC it was not until the modern games of Paris in 1900 that women first participated in the Olympic Games]]> 2018-09-07 07:38:03 UTC https://padlet.com/skelly411/h68usb37sktk/wish/278747140