Influence of Socioeconomic Factors on Wage Remuneration in Liberia Women Football
A summary of the research:
This article looks into the issue of lower pay for women soccer players compared to men, focusing on Liberia. While past research often pointed to general gender inequality, this study wanted to find out how other factors, specifically economic and social demographics, affect how much women soccer players in Liberia earn. The researchers used questionnaires with 550 female players to gather information about their families, how much media attention they receive, their years of playing, their level of play, their income, and their employment. They then analyzed this data to see which of these factors had a real impact on their wages.
The study discovered that social factors like media coverage and family situation, as well as sociodemographic factors such as years of experience and the level at which a player competes, did significantly influence how much women soccer players in Liberia were paid. However, economic factors like a player's individual income or whether they had other employment did not have a major impact on their soccer wages in this study. This suggests that in Liberia, a player's social background and playing experience are more closely tied to their earnings in women's football than their general economic status.
Here are three key takeaways:
Actively work to increase media visibility for your teams and players. The study highlights that media coverage is linked to wage remuneration. Coaches and administrators should proactively seek opportunities for media exposure, such as contacting local news outlets, creating engaging social media content, and highlighting player achievements. Increased media attention can lead to greater fan interest, potential sponsorships, and ultimately, better financial opportunities for players.
Understand and consider the social and familial contexts of your players. The study found that family structure has a significant influence on wages. Administrators and coaches should be aware that many female players may have significant family responsibilities that affect their ability to train and play consistently, which in turn can impact their playing level and earning potential. Creating a supportive environment that acknowledges these challenges and offers flexibility where possible may help players remain in the sport and develop their skills.
Focus on player development and providing opportunities for advancement to higher levels of play. The research indicates that the level of play is a major determinant of wage remuneration. Coaches should prioritize player development through consistent training, quality coaching, and opportunities to compete at higher levels. Administrators can work to establish clear pathways for players to progress from club level to national teams and advocate for increased investment in higher-level women's leagues and competitions.
Authors: Massa Paasewe Johnson; Omo Aregbeyen; and Durowaiye Babatunde Emmanuel
You can read the entire article here.
