Stigma in Sport

Before diving into these issues, first let's break down the types of stigma:

Self-Stigma happens when people believe negative stereotypes about themselves because of societal or cultural norms. It can affect how they see themselves and their mental health. Self-stigma might make someone feel ashamed or unworthy because of who they are or what they've been through. Overcoming self-stigma involves challenging these negative beliefs, seeking support, and being kind to oneself. In sports, self-stigma happens when athletes believe negative things about themselves, like doubting their abilities or feeling insecure about their appearance. For instance, imagine a young female football player who feels unsure about their strength or fitness compared to teammates. This self-stigma can make them doubt themselves during games and practices, holding them back from trying new things or asserting themselves. Over time, it can affect their confidence and enjoyment of the sport. To tackle self-stigma in sports, it's crucial to create an environment where athletes feel supported and accepted, no matter their differences. Coaches, teammates, and sports organizations can help by encouraging positive self-image and confidence, and by challenging stereotypes. With this support, athletes can overcome self-doubt and reach their full potential both on and off the field.

The quote from American basketball legend Michael Jordan highlights the concept of self-stigma, emphasizing the difficulties of facing failure and doubt on the road to success. It also underscores the importance of acknowledging and taking pride in our achievements.

Structural Stigma is about the big, systemic barriers that keep certain groups from being treated fairly. It's not just about individual attitudes; it's built into how society works. Structural stigma shows up in things like unfair laws, unequal access to resources, and biased systems in areas like healthcare and education. Addressing structural stigma means making big changes to policies and systems to promote fairness and inclusion. In sports, structural stigma means some groups face unfair treatment and obstacles in the sports system. For instance, imagine kids from poorer families struggling to afford good sports facilities and coaching. Meanwhile, wealthier kids have access to better resources. This creates inequality. Kids from poorer families miss out on chances to improve their skills and get noticed by scouts. This unfairness holds back talented athletes from marginalized backgrounds. To fix this, sports organizations need to ensure everyone, no matter their income, has equal access to facilities and opportunities. By doing this, they can create a fairer and more inclusive environment for all athletes to succeed.

Chloe Kelly's swift shirt removal and jubilant sprint in her sports bra after scoring in the Euro 2022 final has been celebrated as the 'feminist image of the decade'. Similar to Brandi Chastain's iconic moment in 1999, Kelly's actions have bolstered support for women's football nationwide. Inspired by this powerful display, I created a piece that highlights women's achievements, drawing parallels to Chastain's historic celebration.

Public Stigma is when society as a whole holds negative beliefs about specific groups of people. It leads to prejudice, discrimination, and exclusion, which can hurt those who are targeted. Public stigma shows up in different ways, like bullying, social rejection, and biased treatment. Challenging public stigma involves educating people, building empathy, and advocating for fairer policies and practices. In sports, public stigma happens when society holds negative views about certain athletes or sports. For example, imagine a female football player facing criticism because some people believe women shouldn't play that sport. This stigma can lead to social exclusion and limited opportunities for female athletes. To tackle this, we need to challenge stereotypes and promote gender equality in sports, creating a more inclusive environment for athletes of all genders to succeed.

Gareth Thomas shares his experiences in sports and his journey of coming out about his homosexuality and living with HIV. He actively challenges public perceptions through his speaking engagements. However, he recently stated in a BBC interview, "HIV means people are still afraid to hug me," highlighting the ongoing need to work harder to combat public stigma.

I will explore self-stigma, structural stigma, and public stigma to gain a thorough understanding of the diverse ways stigma operates within society. My focus will be on examining how these forms of stigma manifest in the realm of sports and their impact on athletes. Recognizing and challenging stigma is crucial for promoting inclusion, equality, and social justice.

Reading some articles and looking at mental toughness in sport and Stigma with Girlie Girls and Manly Men involved with children's stigma with physical education. Looking at the side of if women want to be athletic and feminine. Considering where it all originated and first-time experience when being young with menstruation and how it affects sport as well. But also that women's experiences through it as athletes and their positive and negative experiences.