GENDER INEQUALITY IN SPORTS

A provocative analysis of the changes wrought on U.S. sports at every level by Title IX and the complex issues that the legislation has, over the years, been used to address.

Cronn-Mills trots out flurries of heartening statistics to show how much American women’s participation in education and organized sports has increased since the 37-word rule (which she quotes in full) was added to a federal bill in 1972. But along with cogently arguing that equality is not the same as true equity (and that both remain elusive anyway), she expands the ongoing controversy’s scope by discussing at some length the conflicts and nuances that issues of racism and transphobia have added to the evolving notion of gender—and stoutly countering claims that trans competitors have unfair physical advantages. The stock photos are sparse and, at times, look more like filler, but racial representation in them is diverse and inclusive, as are the frequent shoutouts to significant voices for change, from Billie Jean King and Simone Biles to nonbinary Olympic skateboarder Alana Smith. Her conclusion that the battle for equal opportunity is still being fought because sexism is endemic in our society is persuasive, as is her argument that a profound shift in culture that demands change is the only way toward real resolution.

Necessary reading, particularly for those who think the battle is won and done.