The argument from self-respect for gender wage equality in sport
Abstract
The most cogent and universal argument for gender wage parity in professional sport is based on the right to self-respect. The reasoning inherits from Kant and Rawls a number of difficulties and ambiguities, however, linked to the notion of self-respect and its social bases. Construed as ‘appraisal respect’, the right to self-respect does not guarantee equal wages in professional sport, unless gender performance differences are eliminated or new disciplines created; construed as ‘recognition respect’, on the other hand, it calls for the abolition of competition in sport. Each construal requires a corresponding value system and moral ideal of the person.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Sports
Gender
and Society
Philosophical Ethics and Theory
Political Philosophy and Ethics
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of the Philosophy of Sport
- Volume
- 53
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 124–137
- Publication date
- 2 January 2026
- Language
- EN