The objective of this work is to test the hypothesis that there is a harmful gender disparity in sports treatment and funding. Our objectives are to identify the issues related to unequal representation in social media, increased injury risk for female athletes, financial resource disparities, and non-compliance with Title IX regulations by the NCAA. To achieve these objectives, we conducted a literature review, interviews, and collected and analyzed data on social media representation, injury rates, funding, and Title IX compliance. The rationale for this study is to raise awareness of gender disparities in athletics that will ideally lead to advocating for positive changes that support the well-being of female athletes. Our research contributes to the state of the art in the field of gender equality in athletes and emphasizes the need for ongoing efforts to address the gender disparities.  In our discussion, we examine the implications of our findings. We concluded that; 1: There is a discrimination of opportunity between genders in athletics, which is demonstrated by the unequal representation of men’s and women’s sports in social media. 2: As a result of the unequal distribution of resources in athletics, there exists a clear pattern of inequality which puts female athletes at a higher risk of injury when compared to their male counterparts. 3: Financial resources in athletics can result in power imbalances. 4: Current legislation is not imposed strongly enough by athletic institutions. Overall, we conclude that urgent action is needed to promote gender equity in athletics, and our report offers evidence as to why this goal should be achieved.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Escott, Allison
• Melvin, Jack
• Sevilla, Donovan

Subject

• Well-Being
• Culture
• Project-Based Learning

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-050623-112059
• 109316

Keyword

• Gender equality
• Athletics

Advisor

• Brown, Christopher A.

Year

• 2023

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• 5 - Gender Equality

Date created

• 2023-05-06

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Source

• E-project-050623-112059

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2023-06-13