Anthropological inquiry on gender inequality: The case of women soccer in Gelvandale, Port Elizabeth

Abstract

Women for many centuries and during the Apartheid era in South Africa were marginalized from sport. The ability to participate in sport in South Africa is inherently linked to the political history of the country. Sport has played a dynamic role in the struggle against the diabolical system of apartheid in South Africa and has a powerful role to play in the transformation and nation building of South Africa. Women have made great strides in sport in recent years in South Africa. However, at times we find that there is unfair media coverage. The unfair coverage of women’s sport displays gender-based attitudes which systematically disadvantage women’s position in society. Women’s participation in sport has grown dramatically but despite this growth coverage of women in sport remains inferior. The objective of this study is to investigate if women are being marginalised in Gelvandale where soccer is concern as well as determining the meaning of gender inequality from an  anthropological perspective within the context of soccer in the Gelvandale area. This study also seeks to contribute within the anthropology of soccer in South Africa particularly in the Eastern Cape Province and to come up with recommendations that will contribute towards improvement of soccer in Gelvandale and beyond. Finally, the researchers suggest some recommendations with the view to contribute to the improvement and development of soccer in Gelvandale and to ensure a brighter future for girls and women participating in soccer and sport in general.