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Women in Sports History

Written by Carol A. Osborne,Fiona Skillen

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199 pages, about 4 hours of reading

Sports & Recreation

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About this book

This book examines the developments in women’s sports history in Britain in the last 10 years, following on from its successful predecessor Women and Sport History (2010). It considers what has changed and what continuities persist drawing on a series of contributions from authors who are active in the field. The chapters included in this book cover a broad time frame and range of topics such as the history of women’s football in Scotland and England; women’s role in rugby leagues; women’s sport during World War II; and female participation in American football, cricket and cycling. Written and edited during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the book also reflects on the possible implications of the pandemic on women’s sport. In doing so, it highlights the diversity of research currently being undertaken in the field and touches on areas which remain overlooked or underdeveloped. The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of Sport in History.

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Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Women in Sports History, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • advanced
  • informative
  • analytical
  • scholarly

''Women in Sports History'' is a timely academic collection that updates the scholarship on developments in women's sports history in Britain over the last decade, building upon its successful predecessor. Edited by Carol A. Osborne and Fiona Skillen, the book compiles contributions from active researchers, exploring both the changes and persistent continuities in female athletic participation across a broad historical span and diverse range of sports. It delves into topics from the history of women's football and rugby to their roles in cricket, cycling, and American football, including a significant reflection on women's sport during World War II. Uniquely, the book also considers the potential implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on women's sport, highlighting both the breadth of current research and areas requiring further investigation.

“"This book examines the developments in women’s sports history in Britain in the last 10 years, following on from its successful predecessor..."”

Key themes

Gender and Sport
This theme explores how gender norms and expectations have shaped, restricted, and been challenged by women's participation in various sports throughout history. It examines the historical construction of sport as a male domain and the ongoing struggle for female athletes to gain recognition, resources, and equitable opportunities.
Historical Change and Continuity
The book's central premise is to analyze what has changed and what has remained constant in women's sports history over a specific period and broader timeline. This theme investigates the dynamic interplay between progress and persistent challenges, highlighting that historical development is rarely linear.
Social Impact of Major Events
This theme explores how significant historical events and societal shifts, such as global conflicts or pandemics, have influenced women's opportunities and experiences in sports, demonstrating the interconnectedness of sport with broader social forces.

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