News questions
Memo Analysis of First Scholarly/Academic Article
2
August 28, 2018
MEMORANDUM
TO: JP Whatford
FROM: Shihao Sun
DATE: August 28, 2018
SUBJECT: Memo Analysis of First Scholarly/Academic Article
Summary
The first source that will be used for the discourse assignment is a journal article written in 2007 by Huggins and Randell. This article gives a summary of how sports can contribute to advancement of gender equality and empowerment of women. The authors underline that women have been subject of unfair discrimination in sports since time antiquity (Huggins & Randell, 2007). The article makes it clear that women have experienced numerous barriers when trying to take part in sports. These barriers, according to the authors, make it impossible for women to enjoy the benefits of participating in sports as crucial physical activities. Those who try to take part in sports are despised, discriminated and stereotyped (Huggins & Randell, 2007). Games where women participate unfairly receive disparaging levels of media coverage and hence less viewership. The authors further highlight that, women who participate in sports experience not only sexist but also derogatory comments from the media and the society (Huggins & Randell, 2007). The plight of women in sports is a perfect reflection of the various gender discrimination and stereotypes that are prevalent in the contemporary society. The entrenched gender inequality is a protracted social problem that has proved hard to root out through evocative gender reform efforts. Participation can foster self-confidence, self esteem, nature leadership qualities, cultivate teamwork skills and a produce a sense of individual achievement (Huggins & Randell, 2007). Therefore, the authors argue that encouraging women to participate in sports can play a crucial role in empowering women and changing biased perceptions of the expansive society.
Analysis
Using the CRAP test on the source, it is appears reliable and credible for use in supporting research. Published in 2007 with a purpose of challenging existing gender norms and gender roles within the society, this source can be useful in justifying the need for increased participation of women in sports. Sports can present women with a platform on which they can advance concepts of femininity and negotiate masculinity while confronting various stereotypes labeled on women. Sports can change how the society views women. Women are not weak, inferior and underachievers as often stereotyped.
Moving Forward
Creating a mixed gender sports can help women gain the confidence to participate in games that were traditionally considered masculine. This can help build confidence in women regarding making inroads in management, science, mathematics and technology careers where they have very low representation. Sports can serve as vital tools for fighting for gender equality and empowering women and hence achieving social change.
References