Sport and Diversity

Why should sportswomen be allowed in four-man bobsleigh? Who cares about male participation in synchronized swimming at Olympic Games? Under what conditions will gay soccer players come out during their active career in a major men's league? The runner Caster Semenya fuelled the debate on trans and intersex athletes. Why is she still banned from competing in the women's category? In terms of an intersectional approach, how do factors like disability, marital status, religion or age influence female or male sport participation and excellence? The world of sport reflects the binary construct of sex and gender in a particular way, featuring societal hierarchy, patriarchal structures and heteronormativity. Thereby, mechanisms of inclusion and exclusion represent a superior concept: On the one hand, the global UN Agenda 2030 does acknowledge sport as a tool to promote diversity, empowerment, and gender equity in a sustainable way. On the other hand, social phenomena such as sexism, homophobia, transphobia or racism in sport exclude athletes who do not correspond to the normative ideals in a given socio-cultural context. Characteristics of male sporting heroes are related to bravery or muscular strength, while contrasting with feminine ideals of motherliness and caring. Sport media and marketing discriminate against 'deviant athletes' and construct 'ideal' sporting role models. This course features a diversity perspective linked to socio-historic, economic, and political aspects of sport. Innovative didactic methods will pave the way for valuable interaction.