THE GENDER GAP IN SPORTS AND THE EQUALITY PRINCIPLE

Abstract

Background: Nowadays, an under-representation of women in sports is denounced, especially by feminists, claiming that this is proof of the fact that we still live in a discriminatory society. Moreover, as arguments, they present facts showing that there is a pay gap between men and women in professional sports.
Objective: In this context, the purpose of the research is to illustrate that the gender gap in sports is not necessarily a consequence of discrimination. Furthermore, the study will emphasize that the hyperbolized perception of this gap is a result of a misunderstanding of the equality principle.
Methods: Two methods, based on bibliographic research, will be used to show that the gender gap in sports is not a consequence of discrimination. The first one will describe the equality principle and will facilitate its understanding as a normative concept, not as an empirical one. The second method will show that factors hard to quantify have a significant impact on the underrepresentation of women in sports. In this respect, I will apply the hypothesis of Ian Morris according to which resources create values.
Conclusion: The research will lead to the conclusion that the gender gap in sports is not necessarily a consequence of discrimination. Furthermore, the study will highlight the possibility of understanding gender equality in sports as a value derived from resources specific to certain societies.