Together, yet still not equal? Sex integration in equestrian sport

Abstract

Sex-segregation is a core organising principle of most modern sports and is a key element in the marginalisation and subordination of girls and women in sport and beyond. In this article I explore the only Olympic-level sport which is not organised around sex-segregation -equestrian sport -in order to consider the implications of sex-integration for female participants. I draw on a study conducted with elite riders that found that, although sex-integration in equestrian sport does not lead to female participants being excluded from high-level competition, men continue to perform disproportionately well. This suggests that although sex-integration may be an important step towards breaking down gender hierarchies in sport, without accompanying wider changes in gender norms and expectations, sex-integration alone will not be enough to achieve greater gender equality in equestrian sport. Keywords: Equestrian sport, sex integration, gender 2 IntroductionHistorically sport has been seen as a male preserve within which girls and women have been marginalised (Hargreaves, 1994). From its origins in the nineteenth century English public schools, organised sport has long been used as an important mechanism for the production and reproduction of particular forms of masculinity within the education of boys and men (Mangan, 2000). Although female participation in sport has increased dramatically and associations between femininity and active participation in sport are in a state of (re)negotiation, female sports and athletes are still generally perceived to be less skilful, less interesting, and thus less worthy of reward, attention and praise than are male sports and athletes (Pfister, 2010).Sex-segregation is deeply ingrained in the organisation, practice and culture of sport (Anderson, 2008). Regardless of the strength, skill or age of participants, sex-segregation is usually applied uncritically with few sports participants and/or organisers questioning the rationale and logic behind it. The historical justification for segregating sport was built around ideas of sexual difference and the belief in the unsuitability of sport and physical activity for girls and women (Hargreaves, 1994). Sex segregation continues to play a part in the reproduction of inequality in most sports today. The contemporary justification for continuing to segregate sport comprises a complex mix of biological, economic and commercial arguments -many of which are highly contested. These are combined with social norms which continue to frame sport as a male domain (Foddy and Savulescu, 2011;Tucker, 2010;Anderson, 2009b). Sport thus reflects the wider, deeply ingrained, gender order in Western societies which continues to position men and women as categorically different and unequal (Connell, 1987).The social construction of masculinity and femininity, as complementary and opposite, yet inherently unequal subject positions is deep-rooted in modern societies (Schippers, 2007). Sport forms a powerful mechanism for the reproduction of these unequal social...

The lived experience of sex-integrated sport and the construction of athlete identity within the Olympic and Paralympic equestrian disciplines

“…We are aware however, that previous studies relating to equestrian sport have in fact highlighted differences within the gendered experience of participants (Dashper 2012b;Hellborg and Hedenborg 2015) which may relate to the level of competition/participation and cultural influences. We therefore encourage additional research in this area which specifically focuses on comparative gendered experiences within sport that would inform policy direction at both elite and grassroots participation levels (e.g.…”

“…Indeed, gender is very much present in regard to participation rates as highlighted in the studies by Dumbell and de Haan (2012) and Hedenborg and White (2012) and the associated lived experience of this as highlighted in the findings of Dashper (2012b). Plymoth (2013) describes the issue of feminization of equestrian sport as;…”

“…In a sport where competing at the top doesn't necessarily have a clear retirement age, female riders face the prospect of having to take a career break to start and maintain a family. Dashper (2012b) explains that amongst the riders interviewed, on starting a family, many female riders would opt out of international competition, a requirement at the elite level of the sport, instead opting to focus on family life:…”

“…One of the hidden barriers Dashper (2012b) refers to include the combination of gender and class as the following quote from a female young rider suggests:…”

Strong, active women: (Re)doing rural femininity through equestrian sport and leisure

“…However, although equestrianism offers many opportunities for challenging gender norms and traditional gender roles, gender remains a salient feature of the organisation and experience of horse riding social worlds, both in relation to competitive sport and leisure riding practices (Birke and Brandt, 2009;Dashper, 2012). This article considers how horse riding, as an important aspect of the leisure landscape in rural Britain, both enables and constrains women's gender performances.…”