Perceptions of Athletes’ Bodies and the Social Implications

Abstract

There is a gap between how male athletes are viewed and how female athletes are viewed. This discrepancy in views stems from stereotyping that occurs towards athletics as a whole. Who hold the most stereotypical views about the body types of athletes was investigated in this study on the Princeton University Campus. This was done through a survey distributed at random to the Princeton student body. 115 students responded and all responses were included in the data analysis. Those who do not participate in a specific sport hold the most stereotypical expectations of said sport’s body type. There is a gap between what the general public expects a female athlete’s body type to be and what a female athlete expects her body type to be. The lack of familiar knowledge of sports and the bodies of females and males creates stereotypes about the ideal athletic body types. The best way to overcome these stereotypes is to introduce children at a young age to sports/activities that are considered both “feminine” and “masculine” in nature.