Opportunities for Females in Adult Competitive Sport: A Scoping Review
Jeffrey Ayllon
Co-Presenters: Erin Barry
College: College of Health Professions and Human Services
Major: MSW.SOCIALWORK
Faculty Research Mentor: Tredinnick, Lorin
Abstract:
While Title IX paved the way for women to participate in sport at the youth and collegiate level, women are still underrepresented in sport outside of educational settings. Existing literature highlights limited employment and leadership opportunities for women in sport, emphasizing the presence of gender discrimination in organizational structures. This scoping review aims to expand upon the current literature and offer insight into the playing, leadership, and employment opportunities that exist for women in adult competitive sport. The review explores women’s experiences and outcomes associated with engaging in adult competitive sport while also addressing the inequalities/injustices faced by women engaging in adult competitive sport. The following research question will be addressed: What opportunities exist for females/women in adult competitive sport? Specifically exploring the following aims: (1) What type of sport opportunities (i.e., sport level, sport type) exist for females/women interested in engaging in adult competitive sport? (2) What roles do females/women hold when engaging in adult competitive sport? (3) What are the experiences and/or outcomes associated with females/women engaging in adult competitive sport? and (4) What inequities/injustices confront females/women when engaging in adult competitive sport?A team of researchers at the University of Kentucky and Kean University will identify key words to search in relevant databases with support from a librarian. Two graduate interns will then conduct the search and organize the information using the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) framework. Preliminary results will be discussed.The findings from this review will provide evidence of the gaps in research on the opportunities for adult women in competitive sport. These gaps highlight areas for future research that can be used to expand opportunities and create pathways for continued sport engagement for women.