Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark are breaking stereotypes and growing women's sports

Arguably the most anticipated matchup in women's basketball this season in the history of the sport, and a rematch of the 2023 NCAA Women's National Basketball Championship Game, Iowa and Caitlin Clark compete for a spot between LSU and Angel Reese. This is done when playing against. in the NCAA Women's Final Four. These women have faced a lot of criticism for their aggressive, loud, and highly competitive style of play, which is what has helped not only women's basketball grow, but women's sports as well. doing.

Matchups like Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese are the epitome of thrilling rivalries, showcasing the extraordinary skill and athleticism of female athletes and contrasting them with the privileges long accorded to male athletes. , which also serves as a reminder of the disparities that women have historically faced in the sports world. Clark and Reese showcase their talent and competitiveness while challenging deeply held prejudices and traditionally held gender role stereotypes.

go against the stereotype

Gender role stereotypes include various social expectations and norms that determine how women should act, think, and express themselves. These stereotypes often dictate that women should prioritize their appearance, be passive or submissive, and avoid assertive behavior and leadership roles. As a result, women and girls who exhibit traditional characteristics such as empathy, passivity, and obedience are prioritized, thereby limiting women's opportunities and choices in fields that are considered more active and competitive. It will be.

For female athletes, previous research has shown that these traditional gender stereotypes influence their own perceptions of how they are viewed by others. There is. According to research from the Geena Davis Institute, female athletes use the words “emotional” (70%), “sexual” (69%), and “compassionate” as the most frequently associated terms when describing female athletes. “Yes” (57%), “Friendly” etc. ” (49%), “patient” (46%), and references to parental status (40%). Conversely, the terms most commonly used to describe male athletes were “aggressive,” “arrogant,” “ruthless,” “strong,” “superlative,” and “competitive.” As a result, the descriptors ascribed to female athletes are generally consistent with stereotypically feminine traits, while the descriptors for male athletes lean toward stereotypically masculine traits.

Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark challenge stereotypes

Athletes like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark are rebelling against these gender role stereotypes, and are challenging this shift in perception and traditional assumptions about how women should behave. The deviation makes many people uncomfortable. Challenging stereotypes is inherently difficult, and doing so under the spotlight adds an additional layer of complexity. Despite increased scrutiny, female athletes have a unique opportunity to consistently challenge these stereotypes on a high-profile stage.

Female athletes are often at the forefront of breaking gender stereotypes thanks to the visibility and platform they receive through their competitive careers. Unlike women in many other professions, female athletes display their abilities in tangible ways, primarily in public, through performance. This visibility not only challenges traditional notions of femininity, but also provides a powerful counter-narrative to society's expectations. Female athletes consistently demonstrate strength, agility, determination, and resilience that have historically been associated with masculinity.

In this way, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese join athletes like Serena Williams and Megan Rapinoe in disrupting the narrative of how women should behave. Through her unparalleled athleticism, strength, and competitiveness, Serena Williams has shattered stereotypes and debunked the myths about women's physical abilities. Despite facing criticism and scrutiny, especially regarding her appearance and demeanor on the court, Serena Williams remained resilient and unapologetic, proving that a woman can be both strong and assertive. It was shown that Similarly, Rapinoe defied traditional gender norms that women should be passive or avoid controversial topics. Her outspokenness on and off the field challenges the stereotype that female athletes should be noticed but not heard.

As a result, these actions continue to challenge the notion that women must conform to a narrow definition of femininity in order to be accepted and respected. Instead, we will redefine what it means to be a female athlete and pave the way for increased inclusivity, acceptance, and representation for women both within and outside of the sporting field.