Trends in gender norms in South African sport and ramifications for the state of women’s football

This thesis provides a gendered analysis of the role of football in the development of girls
and women in South Africa. Through analysis of South African society on a whole, and the
inclusion of women in football and sport development in particular, this thesis aims to understand
the effects that sport involvement has on women, and how these effects are related to prevailing
gender norms and gender relations in the country. The thesis explores the role of women in football
and the extent to which gender norms influence women’s participation in the sport. It also analyses
patterns of gender inclusion and exclusion in the sport development field. The aim of the study is to
contribute to the existing – albeit limited -research on women’s football in South Africa. The thesis
focuses on women of all racial and ethnical backgrounds in South Africa, primarily aged 17 and up,
that are involved in football.
The empirical data presented was gathered around four main focal points: the challenges,
improvements, limitations and experiences of women footballers. These four themes were chosen in
an effort to present an overall picture of the process and the involvement of women in football, in
addition to shedding light on the trends in norms that determine female participation in sport.
Findings indicate that girls and women face challenges varying from gaining access to funding
resources to partake in sport, to negative portrayals of female athletes in the media. Improvements
in women’s football were seen as ways in which girls and women’s participation in football was
accepted and encouraged by society, and how the bodies of girls and women in sport were
perceived. Limitations were measured as factors influencing the participation of girls and women in
sport, such as their role as secondary citizens in society and as primary caretakers. Finally, the
experiences of girls and women in sport were investigated.
Further research must be carried out regarding the trends of involvement of girls and women
in football in South Africa. That would be in addition to research on the positive physical effects of
sport on the body, which increases self-esteem, and sense of body ownership. There is also a need
to gain understanding of the ways in which the involvement of girls and women in sport changes
societal perceptions of gender.

Publisher: University of Stellenbosch
Year of Publication: 2011