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Description
Historically, sport has been a male-dominated realm that discouraged women from participating because they were thought to be too fragile (Gregg & Gregg, 2017). While progress has been made, women looking to enter the sporting domain remain faced with barriers and differential treatment based on anatomical differences and gender stereotypes. This study analyses the extent to which the experience of women in sports has changed through an investigation of ski jumping which saw the exclusion of women from the Olympic Games until 2014. Furthermore, it aims to explore the impact of differential treatment on women's identity and recognition.
Based on a purposive sampling technique, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a representative of the International Ski Federation as well as with former (n=5) and active athletes (n=8). This allowed detailed discussion on policy development and provided a better understanding of the personal tragedy that female ski jumpers faced in the past and the gender battle they are still fighting today. To facilitate this debate, reflexive thematic analysis was used supported by theories of gender equality, patriarchy, and Honneth’s theory of recognition.
This study identified some positive changes that have occurred in ski jumping. However, the communication gap between the athletes and the governing body in combination with insufficient investment was found to be a crucial detriment to gender equality. Results further suggest a deficiency in knowledge of women’s physicality resulting in persistent gender stereotypes. Moreover, some of these gender stereotypes are being internalized by female ski jumpers.
