by Sally Mumford with Luke Brenner, Molly Cacci, Andrew Frowert, Alejandro Luna
Note: As part of a class on facilitating productive conversations in the School of Communication Studies at James Madison University, this student team designed and facilitated a dialogue about inclusion in sports in Fall 2023.
We live in a world where sports play a critical role in shaping societal norms and values by fostering cultural identity, influencing perceptions of gender roles, and serving as a platform for social issues. While sports can create stories of triumph and unity, we need to talk about the role that sports play in shaping our society and the need for inclusivity within this realm. Our recent facilitation session explored the intricacies of this matter from youth to college to professional sports. The dialogue generated thoughtful discussions on the potential ways in which sports can foster inclusivity, challenge stereotypes, and produce valuable change in our society.
Our mission as facilitators was to guide a group of JMU students in exploring the role of sports in our society, with a specific focus on inclusivity. From challenging gender norms to scrutinizing the media’s representation of sports, we explored the variety of ways that sports can serve as an inclusive platform for all, regardless of race, gender, culture, etc.
The timing of our facilitation could not have been more perfect, as JMU sports were flourishing – the football team had just secured the #21 spot in the AP Top 25, the men’s basketball team had dominated the #4-ranked team Michigan State, as well as several other sports victories. In this atmosphere of heightened sports enthusiasm, the conditions were ideal for a discussion that aimed to not only acknowledge the power of sports, but also to explore the ways in which we can shape it to be more inclusive.
How Participants Grappled with the Issue
A key area of interest for all participants revolved around the idea of gender equity in sports, one notable instance involving the discussion of equal pay between men and women. Many participants attributed the disparity in women’s pay to the varying levels of advertising dedicated to each sport and highlighted the noticeable imbalance in the advertising efforts for women’s sports compared to men’s. Together, they discussed the idea that increased advertising for women’s sports could generate more revenue. Interestingly, the term “viewership” was frequently heard in this section of the conversation, as many participants expressed their belief that the popularity of men’s and women’s sports is largely determined by sports viewers.
Participants also talked about the influence of JMU’s sports culture on their decision to attend the school. A significant number indicated that the sports culture at JMU did impact their choice, saying a lively sports culture fosters a sense of community among universities. Notably, one participant mentioned attending JMU to join the Club Volleyball team, while another said she wanted to be part of a prominent football school. Intramural sports programs at JMU were frequently discussed, with some participants saying that the well-conducted club sports played a factor in their decision after witnessing the University Recreation Center’s efficient management strategies during a college visit.
An additional commonality among participants was their shared interest in how sports are portrayed in the media. Many spoke largely about the media’s influence on sports organizations and public opinions, emphasizing that the depiction of sports in the media significantly shapes people’s perceptions. An interesting point raised was the idea that media inequality in sports creates a social hierarchy within the industry. A participant voiced her concerns about the underrepresentation of women’s lacrosse in the media, specifically highlighting how the sport adjusts its rules to “accommodate women’s needs.” She perceived this as a sexist practice contributing to the lack of visibility in the media.
Conclusion
Facilitating a discussion among JMU students proved to be an extremely rewarding experience. Participants not only shared their personal experiences, but also actively brainstormed ways to promote inclusivity in sports within our society. By recognizing the potential of sports in bringing people together, we can actively work towards breaking down barriers that are present in our society. Celebrating inclusivity within the realm of sports not only enhances the athletic experience, but also contributes to the creation of a more open-minded and unified society where all individuals can find community and connect with others through shared interests. Together, we can promote inclusivity in sports and inspire a shift in society that goes beyond the act of playing a game, helping to enrich the lives of people for years to come.