For this assignment, you will select a current or past gender-related issue that you are passionate about and write a critical analysis using as many academic sources as possible (peer-reviewed articles, books, etc.), news media (newspapers, academic blogs, news reports), and reputable websites. Your analysis should include well-researched gendered analysis and concepts from academic sources and verified outlets on the chosen issue, highlighting the connections and manifestations of gender. Additionally, you can propose potential solutions for the future. For this assignment, it is critical that you (a) perform proper research, (b) use clear and concise language to communicate the issue, and (c) propose realistic and implementable solutions. The written analysis should be no more than six (6) pages.

Topic

Gender Inequality in Professional Sports Pay

Possible title:

Gender Pay Disparities in Professional Sports: Causes, Consequences, and Potential Solutions

Possible Research Question

You can frame your paper like this:

Option 1 (best):

Why do female professional athletes receive significantly lower pay and media coverage than male athletes?

Option 2:

What structural factors contribute to the gender pay gap in professional sports?

One Very Good Source Website

Use UN Women

Website:

Example article:

https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2023/7/explainer-womens-sports-and-equal-pay

Why this site is good:

• reliable international organization
• easy statistics
• professors accept it as a credible source

Other Excellent Sources

You can also use research from:

• Pew Research Center
• International Olympic Committee
• World Economic Forum

These provide data + analysis, which is perfect for a research paper.

Easy Paper Structure (for 6 pages)

1? Introduction

Explain:

• womens sports have grown in popularity
• but pay inequality still exists

Example idea:

• WNBA vs NBA salaries
• women’s soccer pay dispute

2? Evidence of the Pay Gap

Discuss statistics such as:

• male athletes earn far more than female athletes
• prize money differences
• sponsorship differences

Example:

• NBA average salary millions
• WNBA average salary around $100k+

3? Causes of the Inequality

Common reasons:

1. Media coverage gap
2. Investment differences
3. Historical discrimination
4. Sponsorship disparities

4? Social Impact

Explain why it matters:

• affects career opportunities
• discourages girls from entering sports
• reinforces gender stereotypes

5? Possible Solutions

You can propose:

• equal prize money policies
• increased media coverage
• sponsorship investment
• institutional reforms

6? Conclusion

Summarize:

• inequality still exists
• improving equality benefits sports and society