The Difference Sports Participation And Title IX Have Made Essays

The Difference Sports Participation and Title IX Have Made Amanda Sprouse The United States of America was built, ideologically speaking, as an escape from a regimented way of life. It was based, in theory, on freedom of expression. However, it was built by white men, for white men. Every major institution was created through a new constitution; a set of laws that would allow men the freedoms they were not capable of attaining in their homeland. Not once were women taken into consideration; at that time it was absurd to even think of allowing women these very same freedoms. Since the beginning, the very socialization of women was against them living their lives as free individuals. Hundreds of years later, much has changed for women. Perhaps one of the most dramatic shifts has taken place in the world of female athletics where, to a certain degree, the establishment of professional athletics for women is now a reality. This is due, in large part, to the introduction of the Educational Amendments of 1972. Title IX, which came from these amendments, states that: No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. Although athletics are not the specific target for Title IX, they have become a focal point due to the fact that it governs colleges, elementary schools, and high schools. As mentioned above, the patriarchal system in which we live has led to the political socialization of women as inferior to men. Two examples of this are that our constitution refers to a human being as a man and that women are expected to give up their name, an important part of one's identity, when they marry. This argument includes a socialization basis of sexism, which states that the inequality of sexes is based on the variation of the socialization each receives. This way of thinking was evident in every inch of women's lives. It held them back in exercise, but more importantly, it held them back in education and employment opportunities. Vast improvements have been made over the years, particularly in the last twenty-five since Title IX was enacted. In 1972, women earned 9% of medical degrees. Three years ago, that percentage was up to 38%. The percentages look better in terms of law degrees, where women went from earning 7% of law degrees to earning 43% of them. Since 1977, the percent of females earning doctoral degrees moved from 25 to 44%. All of these increases give reason to celebrate what Title IX has accomplished. However, for those who have been in constant battle in the long war against sexism, these statistics are seen as long past due and still not up to par. Sex discrimination has been passed down from generation to generation and even with the women's movement and laws like Title IX, the fight continues to be lop-sided and in f avor of men. There are many complaints about the slow moving progress of Title IX. However slow this progress may seem, statistics indicate improvement and that is worthwhile. This is particularly obvious in the athletic arena: Female participation in athletics has increased dramatically since 1971, when there was only an 8% participation rate among high school girls. By the 1994-95 school year, it rose to a staggering 40%. Meanwhile, boy's participation has remained fairly stable. These statistics are a stumbling block to the arguments of Title IX opponents. They claim that Title IX should not be enforced in college athletics because there is a lack of athletic interest on the part of college females. The fact that high school participation is only 10% away from a 50-50-participation rate indicates a lack of opportunity in college athletics, not a lack of interest. Quite obviously, women today have an unprecedented amount of freedom compared to those raised a mere twenty-five years ago. Today, more girls are encouraged to participate in sports and other activities. They are able to dream about being bigger and better than girls of the past. College is now a viable option in a young woman's decision for post high school plans. An occupation, beyond