Research Question

My research question that I will be studying is what is the effect of gendered language on media representation and coverage among men’s and women’s Olympic soccer? 

Why is this research significant?

Given the current state of our society, addressing gender biases is more important now than ever before. After the women won the 2019 FIFA World Cup, it was evident that a change needed to be made in the enormous pay gap between men’s and women’s professional soccer players. The push back from the female athletes in regard to the lack of pay for their hard work and success sparked a movement within the athletic community like no other. Groups from all over the world took to social media and other platforms to protest the horrible gender discrimination this team, and many women are struggling with in society.

My research significantly sheds light on just how differently male and female athletes are viewed and treated in society. By acknowledging this and providing my community, and hopefully beyond, with significant results can hopefully ignite a change in how we interpret media coverage of men’s and women’s athletics. The hope with my findings is that people can engage in a mental shift and raise questions and concerns with media coverage on how athletes are being portrayed.