Its the Law - Miss Representation Essay

It’s the Law

     In 1972 the law known as Title IX was passed. The law requires gender equity for males and females in every educational program that receives federal money. Many people have not heard of Title IX and those that have believe it only pertains to sports. While the law is not perfect, it has provided females opportunities they otherwise would not have had. Title IX provides females equal opportunities in sports, education, and employment.

     Prior to Title IX becoming law females were excluded from participating in school athletics at any level. The schools are allowed to separate the sports teams by sex, but must determine how many opportunities they will provide female athletes. Schools must meet two out of three qualifications to be in compliance. Those qualifications are: 1) The percentage of male and female athletes must be in proportion to the number of male and female students enrolled, 2) It has a history of expanding athletic opportunities for the underrepresented sex, 3) The athletics program fully and effectively accommodates the interest and abilities of the underrepresented sex. Fewer than 300,000 females participated in high school sports, prior to the law. By 2011 there were more than three million females participating. In college athletics the increase was significant as well: The number of female athletes went from under 30,000 to almost 200,000.] The improvement in athletic opportunities has significantly contributed to improvements in the short-term and long-term public health signified by a seven percent decline in obesity among former female athletes (Buchanan 91). Female athletes also reduce their risk of developing breast cancer. Middle school and high school female athletes are fifty percent less likely to experience an unintended pregnancy than their non-athlete peers. This decrease in pregnancies is universal across nationalities.

     Not only were females not allowed to participate in sports, but prior to the 70’s many colleges and universities refused to admit females. It was believed that females were more interested in marriage and raising a family than higher education. Because of Title IX females have been afforded equal access to higher education institutions and financial aid. Females earn more undergraduate and graduate degrees at higher rates than they use to. They also go into fields traditionally dominated by males, such as law, medicine, and politics. While females have made great strides they still face obstacles in higher education. Females still lag behind their male counterparts in earning doctoral and professional degrees, particularly in non-traditional disciplines like math and science. Affirmative action programs responsible for increasing access to higher education for minorities and females are being eliminated.  

     As with sports and education, there was inequalities in employment at higher education institutions. Before Title IX the majority of females working in education were teaching in elementary and secondary schools. Females who did teach in college were primarily at women’s colleges and earned smaller salaries than their male counterparts. Since Title IX the number of female faculty members has increased significantly. They are instructors, lecturers, assistant professors, and some can be found in top administrative positions. While the wage gap has decreased, there is still an inequality. Even with Title IX females on average earn less, hold lower ranking positions, and are less likely to have tenure.           

     Title IX became law to create equality for females in sports, education, and employment. The law has afforded many opportunities to females that they otherwise would not have had. Females have access to scholarships, financial aid, sports, education, and employment because of Title IX. While Title IX has helped bridge the gaps between males and females there are still inequalities that exist. Many changes have been made to the law and many more will no doubt be made in the future in the hope of bridging the gaps.         

Works Cited

Aiston, Sarah Jane. "Equality, Justice And Gender: Barriers To The Ethical University For Women." Ethics & Education 6.3 (2011): 279-291. Education Research Complete. Web. 7 Apr. 2014.

Buchanan, Maggie Jo Poertner. "Title IX Turns 40: A Brief History And Look Forward." Texas Review Of Entertainment & Sports Law 14.1 (2012): 91-93. Legal Collection. Web. 7 Apr. 2014.

Paule-Koba, Amanda L., Othello Harris, and Valeria J. Freysinger. "'What do I think about Title IX?' Voices from a university community." Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport 84.1 (2013): 115+.

Academic OneFile. Web. 7 Apr. 2014.