Vol. 29 No. 320 (2025)
Towards a more just and equitable sport
Sport, far from being a space alien to society, is a microcosm that reflects and reproduces the social, racial and gender inequalities present in it. This is verified in the access to resources of low-income people who have fewer opportunities to practice many sports due to the lack of facilities, equipment and qualified coaches. This restricts their sporting development and their possibilities of achieving high performance. Some sports are associated with certain social classes and require high purchasing power to practice them, creating a barrier to access for many.
At the same time, the media decide which sports news to cover and which to ignore, which influences the public perception of the problems and by prioritizing certain stories over others, they influence public opinion on which sports and athletes are more valuable and which are not. They also contribute to reinforcing gender, ethnic and class stereotypes in sport, which limits opportunities for many athletes. In this way, by presenting inequalities as naturalized or inevitable, the media hinder the fight for equality.
It is essential that the media take on a more critical and reflective role in their coverage of sport. Journalists must strive to offer a more equitable representation of all athletes, and challenge stereotypes and inequalities. Furthermore, those who consume this media must be aware of the influence it has on our perception and demand more fairer and honest coverage.
Tulio Guterman, Director – January 2025
Published:
2025-01-10
