An Exploration into The Perceptions of Gender Inequality in Sporting Events, Specifically in Boxing.

Abstract

The research conducted in this study investigates the reasoning behind gender perceptions in sporting events, specifically in boxing. There are several studies which address the contributing issues individually, however, there is not one that is specific to boxing and the perceptions that residents in Scotland possess. 9 interviews were conducted, both semi-structured and email interviews, with sporting professionals and individuals who were sports enthusiasts. This method was selected due to the exploratory nature of the research and the time constraints being faced by the researcher. Thematic Analysis was implemented to identify the emerging themes from the data gathered during the interview process. The results revealed that there were many reasons individuals hold the perceptions they do of women and men in sport, the primarily felt their education and the media both heavily influence their perceptions. It is identified as a troubling scenario where the media can sway individuals substantially in their perceptions. Should this research be further explored, the recommendations would be that having a larger pool of participants, from the media and the boxing industry and conducting the research over various locations enables a comparison of results centred around location.The research conducted in this study investigates the reasoning behind gender perceptions in sporting events, specifically in boxing. There are several studies which address the contributing issues individually, however, there is not one that is specific to boxing and the perceptions that residents in Scotland possess. 9 interviews were conducted, both semi-structured and email interviews, with sporting professionals and individuals who were sports enthusiasts. This method was selected due to the exploratory nature of the research and the time constraints being faced by the researcher. Thematic Analysis was implemented to identify the emerging themes from the data gathered during the interview process. The results revealed that there were many reasons individuals hold the perceptions they do of women and men in sport, the primarily felt their education and the media both heavily influence their perceptions. It is identified as a troubling scenario where the media can sway individuals substantially in their perceptions. Should this research be further explored, the recommendations would be that having a larger pool of participants, from the media and the boxing industry and conducting the research over various locations enables a comparison of results centred around location.