Discuss the relationship between gender and participation in sport and leisure
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Popular ideas about sport
Differences between men and women in sport is a focus for sports providers such as GB sports council and local authorities. On the surface their approach seems progressive. Their policies are based on the idea that sport is beneficial to the individual as well as the society, and that women should participate in greater numbers, more in line with men's participation rates. The following statement made by the UK sports council (1992b: 75) reflects establishment ideas about sport being a harmonising force, which contributes to the well being of society:
"We know that sport can make a positive contribution to national moral, health and the economy. We believe that it can enhance community spirit, equality of opportunity, personal development and social integration."
Hargreaves.J. (1994), sporting females: critical issues in the history and sociology of sports, Routledge.
The ideas put forward by the sports council are not just their views, but are popular and powerful views in society at large. A survey carried out by Mori in 1990 shows how highly the British public value sport...