Gender Equity In Sports Analysis

This essay examines two different approaches to gender equity in sport. Specifically, it will review the university rowing systems used in both America and Canada between 1972 and the present day. Historical differences, Title IX legislation, and inequal levels of funding are causes of differences between the systems. Therefore this analysis is not a direct comparison, but an exploration of two separate methods through which gender equity in collegiate rowing may be addressed. Informing this gender equity and values analysis will be the respective historical context of both countries' gendered rowing history. Because both the American and Canadian collegiate rowing programs approach the issue of gender equity in different ways, the analysis
Unsurprisingly, this expectation was met with scepticism and resistance by women who had adjusted to their new roles in society during the war. This resistance can be seen by the formation of political groups like the National Organization for Women (NOW). NOW led the social and political push for fair treatment.iii Empowerment came from responsibility – women had been expected to do jobs that previously were restricted from them, and had done so successfully. With employment came the same benefits as before the Great Depression: money and increased leisure time. Women were largely reluctant to leave these benefits behind. Maintaining these benefits became a primary lobbying goal of
Title IX stipulates that no discrimination can take place “on the basis of gender... under any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”vii Multiple measures and avenues for success and achievement were identified for Title IX, with sport quickly becoming a primary