| Women athletes have made significant gains in sport opportunities and resources. The influx of girls and women into the sport environment has impacted the culture of sport, and thus it is no longer unusual to see girls and women competing. An emerging acceptance of women athletes has challenged male supremacy in sport. Despite some groundbreaking changes, traditional notions of appropriate gender behavior may continue to constrain women athletes based upon socially consensual expectations of appearance and behavior. This dissertation examines social meanings and realities constructed by present-day college women athletes competing in softball and gymnastics. Based on an interpretive framework, this research focuses on contemporary gender expectations and the image construction undertaken by elite athletes inside and outside of the sport context. Constraints in sport associated with appropriate gender displays are addressed, as are differential gender performances of women athletes related to group membership, environment and audience. |
