Book Description

Women in Sport offers a timely and comprehensive overview of issues that impact girls' and women's emergence into the mainstream of American sports. Tightly edited with contributions from a broad, interdisciplinary group of scholars, this volume examines political, historical, economic, psychological, physiological, and sociological issues significant to women's participation in sports. The contributors bring a diversity of feminist perspectives to their debate on such controversial topics as the ramifications of Title IX, joining the sports establishment, homophobia in sports, exploitation of minorities, and competitiveness versus nurturing. Replete with discussion questions and a glossary of key terms and concepts, this remarkable volume is ideally suited as a text for courses in gender studies and sport and physical education. In addition, it serves as a valuable reference for professionals working with girls' and women's sports programs. "Editor Greta L. Cohen is to be commended on her coordinating all the material in this work. ... The 31 authors have prepared excellent chapters. ... The book is arranged in such a way that each chapter stands alone; students could use parts of the book in any sequence. Each chapter is supplemented by key words used in the overview, discussion questions, and references. Excellent material for undergraduate and graduate students, to supplement courses in history and principles, women's studies, and issues involving women's sports."--Choice "Women in Sport provides a strong, comprehensive review of the issues which influence women's participation in American sports. Chapters feature a strong interdisciplinary approach as they analyze the political, economic, psychological and sociological influences which affect both performance and choices." --The Bookwatch "Dr. Cohen has brought together some of the best authors on the various topics presented. I don't believe you can find better known or more knowledgeable professionals to bring together in one text. A text of this sort will no doubt become a 'classic' in our profession." --Dr. Laurie Priest, Physical Education Chairperson and Director of Athletics, Mount Holyoke College, Massachusetts "It is often said that attempts to be all things to all people result in something that is nothing to anyone. However, editor Greta L. Cohen has given us a shining exception to that belief. Women in Sport is a history, an analysis, a guide, a resource and a valuable addition to the library of anyone with an interest in enhancing the experiences of women in sport." --The Women's Sports Experience "This textbook for college students on women's sports experiences does a thorough job of covering all aspects of women in sports. The book begins with a fascinating 4-page chronology ... The book deals with such diverse issues as: homophobia, eating disorders, minorities and the Olympic games, and media portrayals of female athletes." --The Feminist Majority Report.