Equal gender relations in sport:
sport vs. gender as seen in boat racing

Shin Fujiyama
（Toyo University Graduate School)

Abstract

　　 This paper discusses gender relations in the context of boat racing in which both male and female players compete together. This situation is used as an example of partially equal gender relations, as seen by post-structuralism gender theory. This theory perceives the physical sexual differences between men and women as being created differences.
　　 Even in this situation where mixed competition is achieved, gender differences still exist. Examples include regarding physical sexual differences between males and females as being absolute differences, the system in which the women's league competition is separated from the mainstream boat races, and the tendency of the media to feature female players in a manner unrelated to the actual racing. In short, there is no system that assures the equality and fairness of the results. Therefore, gender equality in the form of mixed competition does not necessarily assure equal gender relations in other areas.
　　 In order to establish equal gender relations in sport, at least gender-based differences in participations in competitions must be eliminated, and a system to maintain the equality and fairness of competition results must be established. The issue of treating all players equally, regardless of gender, remains to be resolved in each competitive sporting arena.

Key words: mixed competition, sexual difference, equality, naturalize


Journal of Sport and Gender Studies, 1: 15-26, 2003.