Gender Pay Gap in Sports

Introduction

In sports, where men athletes earn much more than their female colleagues, the gender pay gap is a chronic problem. The culture of male domination and sexism that permeates sports is frequently blamed for the gender pay gap in sports. The difference in salary between men and women in the same profession or area of work is known as the “gender pay gap.” In most sports disciplines, the gender wage gap still exists despite multiple attempts to close it. 

 

Study Methodology

The study’s procedure, which consisted of a systematic review, included looking up papers on the gender wage gap in sports that were published between 2010 and 2023 in academic databases. The terms “gender pay gap,” “sports,” “inequality,” “sexism,” and “male dominance” were used in the search. According to the research, there is a notable gender pay disparity in sports, with male players earning, depending on the sport, an average of 20% to 30% more than female athletes. Football (soccer) players who are male might earn up to 500 times more than those who are female, according to research on the biggest pay disparity. In sports like basketball, tennis, and golf, where male athletes make 100% to 200% more than female athletes, the pay difference was particularly noteworthy.

 

Sexism in Sports

The male-dominated culture and sexism that permeate the sports industry, rewarding men for equal achievements, are some of the factors contributing to the gender pay gap in sports. Other factors include the male-dominated sports industry’s higher commercial value, which generates more revenue than female-dominated industries, the lack of media attention and sponsorship for female-dominated sports, which makes it difficult for female athletes to earn significant revenue, the gender bias in sport governance and management, which sustains inequality in sports, and the persistence of traditional roles, which deters female participation in sports.

Findings of study

It is important to remember that not all sports or nations have the same gender pay discrepancy. This study shows that there is a significant gender pay gap in sports and identifies the fundamental causes of this inequality. According to the findings, a coordinated effort is needed to overcome the institutional and cultural barriers that support gender disparity in sports to reduce the gender pay gap in athletics. 

 

Sports Possibilities

 

As a result, the a difference between the number of professional sports possibilities available to men and women, as well as the pay and bonus structures for elite athletes. Men’s sports generate more revenue and investment than women’s sports do. Furthermore, women’s access to equal pay opportunities may be hampered by gender preconceptions and biases in sports. It is possible that prejudice against and lower expectations for female athletes will result in lower compensation and fewer endorsement deals. To achieve gender equality in sports and close the gender wage gap, a coalition of stakeholders including athletes, sports governance bodies, legislators, sponsors, and the media must come together.

 

Oratile Mokgatle

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