“Dribbling” the hegemonic media: alternative press in the propagation of women’s soccer
A summary of the research:
The article "Dribbling the Hegemonic Media: Alternative Press in the Propagation of Women’s Soccer" by Lima, Januário, and Leal explores how alternative digital media, specifically the blog Dibradoras, challenges mainstream narratives and provides visibility to women's soccer in Brazil. The study uses a case analysis of content from Dibradoras during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup to examine how the platform created counter-hegemonic discourse, highlighting gender disparities in media coverage. By covering women's soccer through a feminist lens, Dibradoras addresses gaps left by traditional Brazilian sports journalism, which has historically underreported women’s sports. The study finds that Dibradoras fosters an engaged community, using digital tools to amplify voices often marginalized by mainstream media.
The article emphasizes that Dibradoras not only reports on women's soccer events but also promotes a critical stance toward the structural sexism in sports media. Through its approach, the platform encourages the audience to engage with women’s sports from an advocacy standpoint, reshaping the landscape of sports journalism. By using informal language and direct interaction on social media, Dibradoras creates a more inclusive space for fans, thus promoting broader social acceptance and commercialization of women’s soccer.
Key Takeaways
Dibradoras amplifies visibility for women’s soccer by filling gaps left by traditional sports journalism, emphasizing feminist perspectives.
Through interactive social media tactics, Dibradoras cultivates a supportive community and engages in advocacy against gender inequality in sports media.
The platform’s success highlights a demand for alternative narratives in sports media, promoting a rethinking of traditional gendered coverage.
Authors: Cecília Almeida Rodrigues Lima, Soraya Barreto Januárioii, & Daniel Felipe de Oliveira Leal
You can read the entire article here.
