gender Flashcards
What are the differences between males and females?
- Body shape, size and physique
- Oxygen-carrying capacity
- Muscle strength and power
- Flexibility
- Rates of maturity
- Hormones
How does body shape, size and physique differ between men and women?
Women tend to be smaller overall with a flatter, broader pelvis (evolved for child birth), smaller lungs and heart and a higher percentage of fat (25% for young females compared to 15% for young males)
How does oxygen-carrying capacity differ between men and women?
Women have smaller hearts and lungs so they also have a lower oxygen-carrying capacity than males. There can be a difference of up to 43%
How does muscle strength and power differ between men and women?
In tests for maximal strength there was a difference of up to 40-50%, as women have less total muscle mass
How does flexibility differ between men and women?
Women have less muscle mass than men so they tend to be far more flexible
How does maturity differ between men and women?
Girls tend to mature faster than boys
Why is some competition between younger males and females fair, but from the age of 11 upwards it changes?
Because their rates of maturity differ. After the age of 11, males start to overtake in terms of height and strength, so sport tends to become single sex after this age
How do hormones differ between men and women?
Because females menstruate and suffer a hormonal imbalance, they can be disadvantaged if they are participating during their period. Males tend to be less effected by chemical substances changes within their bodies
When can these physical differences between males and females advantage women?
In sports such as gymnastics, because women have less weight and greater flexibility
When are women seriously disadvantaged because of their physical differences with men?
When it comes to competing in events dependent on strength and power
Why is competition between males and females organized in single sex at the top level?
Because their physical differences are recognized
What has discrimination often meant?
That women are seen as the ‘weaker sex’, and so are not allowed the same opportunities as men
Why does religion sometimes prohibit a woman’s full participation in sport?
Because they have to remain covered as a requirement of their faith, and this can restrict their opportunities to participate
What opportunities do women now have in sport?
They are able to become officials, managers, etc
