Sport and women's empowerment

Abstract

This paper provides a discussion of the extension of Nancy Hartsock's work on feminism and power to sport. The paper first considers the conceptualization of power. In Western thought power has usually been defined as strength and domination. This defination has been reproduced in sport, where masculine ideals of force and aggression are emphasized. An alternative feminist conception of power stresses energy and creativity. The second part of the paper considers the possibilities for political change through sport that is consistent with the feminist vision of power. It is suggested that the potential lies in the opportunity for women in sport to experience their physical strength and capacity and to build organizations that develop these qualities in the community of women. Some examples of women's empowerment in and through sport are presented. Although there is nothing like a feminist revolution taking place in sport as yet, the instances of change that have occurred are reason for optimism.