As women’s squash evolves towards a more physically demanding and athletic sport, many players are becoming conflicted when it comes to gaining strength and looking a certain way. For many, increasing muscle mass comes with a price, it does not fit into what is deemed appropriate by society’s view of a feminine woman.
BREAKING BARRIERS:
- Players with killer instinct or the desire to win by crushing or dominating their opponent are rarely said to be ‘ladylike.’
- Throughout history, feminine women have not been looked at as combative, merciless, and triumphant.
- Over recent years, there has been a significant shift in perception. Female players continue to evolve as athletes and challenge these long standing, traditional beliefs.
- With a sound understanding of the social pressures’ females face, coaches will be better prepared when working with female athletes. These pressures are uniquely different than those male players will experience.
- Supportive coaches will encourage their female players to always remain true to themselves despite what’s forced upon them by social and cultural implications.
- 80% women and girls report social media is the number one source of pressure for them to conform to traditional ideas around the feminine body image. (George, 2021)
- Our screens are flooded with unrealistic lifestyles that make us believe the way they live is what we must aspire to be.
- The pressure to project a ‘perfect’ life online is affecting 1 in 3 girls.
- Social networking sites form a threat to self-esteem by increasing appearance dissatisfaction and social comparisons, as they represent a powerful sociocultural influence, particularly in the lives of young women that are simply unrealistic and often unachievable.
