We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
The glass ceiling in sport coaching: Perceived challenges of female coaches.
- Authors
SURUJLAL, J.; VYAS-DOORGAPERSAD, S.
- Abstract
Women sport coaches are starkly under-represented in sport organisations. While there are currently probably more female sport coaches than ever before, they are still outnumbered by their male counterparts. This may be attributed to the fact that sport, being generally a maledominated domain, appears to discriminate against women thereby preventing their advancement to high level positions in many sport organisations. Thus, women coaches may experience a 'glass ceiling', which obstructs their professional upward movement. Limited research evidence in a South African sport coaching context exists which addressed the challenges faced by female sport coaches to move up the hierarchical ladder in sport organisations. Hence, the purpose of this study was to obtain qualitative data from female sport coaches regarding the perceived challenges they face in progressing career-wise within their organisations and provide recommendations on the findings. Four themes, namely gender discrimination, stereotyping, career path opportunities, and organisational support emerged from the content analysis. The findings of the study suggest that males in high coaching positions continue to wield power which safeguards their positions. If the current practice at some of the sport organisations continues, the marginalisation of women aspiring for higher positions would be perpetuated and women will continue feel that they are second best. It is therefore important for sport organisations to level the playing field so that both male and female coaches have equal opportunity to compete for higher positions. This may involve mapping out a career-path which includes continuous professional development to prepare women for higher positions. Professional organisations for women which provide professional access and guidance, present and explore career-related issues, and offer a forum for problem-solving and enrichment for women in the sports industry can also be established.
- Subjects
COACHING (Athletics); PHYSICAL education; WOMEN coaches (Athletics); SEX discrimination; STEREOTYPES
- Publication
African Journal for Physical, Health Education, Recreation & Dance, 2015, p80
- ISSN
1117-4315
- Publication type
Article