Analysis of Gender Differences in Sports — Taking American Professional Women’s Soccer as an Example

Abstract

This article delves into the multifaceted realm of gender disparities in sports, focusing on the enduring challenges faced by female soccer players, notably within the United States. Highlighting the intertwined complexities of gender biases, treatment discrepancies, and resource inequalities, it underlines the pervasive gender gap prevalent in various facets of sports, encompassing pay differentials, sponsorship limitations, and unequal access to training facilities. This research aims to explore the multifaceted demand for equal pay in professional women’s soccer through sociological and feminist lenses. It scrutinizes implications not only for female soccer players but also for broader gender equality pursuits in global sports. This investigation endeavors to illuminate pathways toward achieving parity between male and female athletes, envisioning inclusivity and equity in the sporting world. The study concludes with a series of recommendations to achieve equal pay for women in sport, emphasizing the importance of transparency, sponsorship, recognition, media representation and advocacy in collective bargaining agreements and governance. This research contributes to the ongoing debate on gender equality in sport and provides insights into potential solutions to the pay gap.