Women’s football studies: an integrative review
A summary of the article:
The article "Women’s Football Studies: An Integrative Review" provides a comprehensive analysis of the growing academic interest in women's football across various disciplines, including economics, sociology, and management. The authors review 117 journal articles published between 1998 and 2017, organizing the research into 26 themes. These themes range from gender issues and media representation to fan behavior and the marketing of women’s football. The review highlights that although women’s football has gained increased scholarly attention, most studies have focused on sociological and historical aspects, with fewer contributions from the fields of economics, marketing, and management. The study concludes by suggesting that future research should address underexplored topics, such as women’s football in non-Western contexts and the roles of women in leadership positions within the sport.
The review finds that research on women’s football has evolved, reflecting broader societal changes regarding gender equality. However, it also notes that barriers to women's participation and representation in football remain significant. The authors emphasize the need for more interdisciplinary studies that consider the economic and managerial aspects of women’s football. These areas could help develop strategies for growing the sport globally and overcoming the gender-based challenges that still exist.
Key Takeaways:
Increasing academic interest: Research on women's football has grown over the last two decades, with a focus on sociological and historical perspectives.
Underexplored themes: Areas like economics, marketing, and management have received less attention, highlighting the need for more research in these fields.
Continued gender challenges: Despite progress, women’s football still faces significant barriers related to gender representation and equality, both on and off the field
Authors: Maurizio Valenti, Nicolas Scelles, & Stephen Morrow
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