The construction and deconstruction of gender through sport reporting in selected South African newspapers

Abstract

Drawing upon the body of knowledge of the sociology of sport and content analysis
of media studies, this research focuses on the construction of gender through sports
reporting in selected South African newspapers. Methods utilized to determine such
constructions, included: i) a quantitative survey in terms of frequency of articles
(text) and the scope of photographic images and, ii) a qualitative or content analysis
in terms of text and photographic images. Data was collected over a six-month
period (1 April 2004 – 30 September 2004) to include all major international sport
events. A total of 2 354 images and 5 300 articles were analysed to determine the
rationale of the input and throughput phases. Interviews were conducted with three
journalists from Beeld, The Star and The Sowetan. The analysis of qualitative and
quantitative data conformed patriarchal values in prioritizing men and male sports
(86.5%), while marginalizing women and their sport in biased reporting
(construction of messages and images). Male sporting success, role models as sport
stars and gender stereotyping in terms of masculine versus feminine representations
of athletes, devaluate the athletic achievements of female athletes by using cultural
and sexual innuendos.

Keywords: Gender; Sport journalism; South African newspapers.

South African Journal for Research in Sport, Physical -Education and Recreation Vol. 29 (1) 2007: pp. 147-158