Equality and Competition in Women's Sports

This chapter describes how the democratic ideals of equality, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness affected developments in women’s sports. Particular emphasis is given to the formation and implementation of Title IX, designed to prohibit sex discrimination in education programs. Advocates for women’s sports drew upon the principles of liberty and equality that defined the 19 th century suffrage movement. Legislative advancements in women’s rights were led by female members of Congress, who themselves had faced sex discrimination. Although congressional passage of Title IX was a signature achievement, like many federal laws, it was vaguely written. Congress delegated authority to executive agencies to craft the details of Title IX, and many of their policy decisions were challenged in court. Both executive and judicial bodies wrangled over the meaning of “equality,” though their decisions were also influenced by political and ideological interests. Interest groups engaged in issues associated with gender equity in sports continue to hold contrasting viewpoints on the costs and benefits of Title IX.