Sportswomen's Apparel in the United States: Uniformly Discussed

This volume explores the relationship between sporting clothing and gender, analyzing the historical, political-economic, socio-cultural, and sport-specific dimensions of gendered clothing in sport. It covers topics such as WNBA uniform politics, military promotion, female sportscaster clothing, magazine depictions, plus-size exercise apparel, FloJo, the Skirt Chaser 5k race, and the socio-politics of the LPGA, CrossFit, roller derby, rock climbing, and more. It is the first single compendium to discuss American sportswomen's apparel and will be of interest to practitioners and scholars of sports history, the sociology of sport, and gender/media studies.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 277 pages
\n Publication date: 18 November 2020
\n Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG
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This comprehensive volume presents a diverse range of essays that delve into the intricate interplay between sporting clothing and gender. By utilizing uniform and sports apparel as a lens to examine the socio-sexual politics of contemporary American society, the contributions offer insightful analyses of the historical, political-economic, socio-cultural, and sport-specific dimensions of gendered clothing in the realm of sports. Part of a two-volume series, this collection explores various topics, including WNBA uniform politics, military promotion, female sportscaster clothing, magazine representations, plus-size exercise apparel, the iconic figure of FloJo, the Skirt Chaser 5k race, and the socio-politics of the LPGA, CrossFit, roller derby, rock climbing, and numerous other sports. As the inaugural single compendium dedicated to examining American sportswomen's apparel, this collection holds significant appeal to practitioners and scholars in the fields of sports history, sociology of sport, and gender/media studies.

Introduction:
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the relationship between sporting clothing and gender. The way athletes dress on the field, court, or track has become a subject of scrutiny and debate, with many questions being raised about the role of clothing in shaping gender identity and stereotypes. This volume aims to contribute to this ongoing discussion by presenting a collection of essays that explore the various dimensions of gendered clothing in sports.

Historical Context:
The history of sporting clothing is intertwined with the history of gender roles and stereotypes. Throughout the centuries, clothing has been used to differentiate between men and women, with certain garments being associated with specific gender roles and expectations. For example, in the past, women were often expected to wear skirts and dresses while men wore trousers and shirts. However, as society has evolved, so has the sporting clothing industry, with new designs and styles being created to accommodate the changing needs and preferences of athletes.

Political-Economic Dimensions:
The political-economic dimensions of gendered clothing in sports are particularly significant. The sports industry is a multi-billion-dollar industry, and clothing brands play a crucial role in shaping the image and reputation of athletes. In many cases, clothing brands use gender-specific marketing strategies to appeal to different consumer groups, with women being targeted as a significant market segment. This can lead to the perpetuation of gender stereotypes and the marginalization of women in sports.

Socio-Cultural Dimensions:
Socio-cultural dimensions of gendered clothing in sports also play a significant role. Clothing choices can reflect a person's cultural background, social status, and personal beliefs. For example, some athletes may choose to wear clothing that reflects their religious or cultural traditions, while others may choose to wear clothing that promotes social justice or equality. The way athletes dress can also have an impact on their performance, with certain clothing styles being more conducive to certain sports or activities.

Sport-Specific Dimensions:
Gendered clothing in sports also takes into account the specific demands and requirements of different sports. For example, women's sportswear is designed to provide greater support and comfort during physical activity, while men's sportswear is designed to be more lightweight and breathable. The way athletes dress can also impact their safety, with certain clothing items being designed to protect against injuries or provide better visibility in low-light conditions.

Contributions:
The contributions to this volume cover a wide range of topics, including WNBA uniform politics, military promotion, female sportscaster clothing, magazine representations, plus-size exercise apparel, FloJo, the Skirt Chaser 5k race, and the socio-politics of the LPGA, CrossFit, roller derby, rock climbing, and numerous other sports. Each essay offers a unique perspective on the relationship between sporting clothing and gender, and provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics that shape this phenomenon.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this volume presents a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the relationship between sporting clothing and gender. By examining the historical, political-economic, socio-cultural, and sport-specific dimensions of gendered clothing in sports, the contributions offer valuable insights into the complex dynamics that shape this phenomenon. This collection will be of interest to practitioners and scholars in the fields of sports history, the sociology of sport, and gender/media studies.

\n Weight: 512g\n
Dimension: 219 x 157 x 24 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9783030454760\n
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021\n