13.4 Women's sport Flashcards
How did women’s soccer first gain popularity in England?
Though women’s football dated back to the late-19th century, it boomed during World War I, when many women replaced men in the workforce. Factory workers organized spontaneous matches, originally for charitable fundraising, and these events rapidly drew large crowds.
What was significant about the 1920 Boxing Day match between Dick, Kerr Ladies FC and St. Helen’s Ladies?
It attracted 53,000 spectators, with an additional 14,000 turned away due to capacity limits. This was higher attendance than typical men’s soccer games at the time, illustrating the enormous public interest in women’s football right after WWI.
What actions did the Football Association (FA) take to curb women’s soccer, and why?
In 1921, the FA decided women’s soccer was ‘unsuitable for females’ and banned women’s clubs from using FA-affiliated grounds. Their official statement cited concerns about insufficient charitable donations and the physical appropriateness of the game for women.
How long did the FA ban on women’s soccer last, and what was its impact?
The ban remained in place until 1972—over 50 years. This denial of FA-affiliated venues halted women’s soccer’s early momentum in England, limiting its growth, media coverage, and financial support.
How long have women’s intercollegiate sports existed in the United States?
They date back to the late-19th century. A famous early competition was Stanford vs. UC Berkeley in 1896. However, these programs were typically small-scale and often lacked the institutional support or public visibility of men’s collegiate sports.
What role did Title IX (1972) play in expanding women’s collegiate sports?
Title IX of the Education Amendments is a U.S. federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or education program receiving federal funds. It required colleges and universities to provide equitable opportunities and resources for women’s sports.
Why can Title IX be considered a ‘nonmarket force’ in sports settings?
Title IX is a regulation, not a product of market competition; compliance is mandated by law. It reshapes resource allocation to ensure gender equity, independently of market demand or profit motives.
What broader lessons do these examples of women’s soccer in England and Title IX in the U.S. illustrate?
Socio-Cultural Norms: Initial popularity can be undermined by cultural biases.
Institutional Barriers: Formal bans or neglect can stunt development of women’s sports for decades.
Impact of Policy: Nonmarket interventions can rapidly accelerate growth and help achieve more equitable outcomes.
