Sports and Society: Parental Attitudes towards Female Athletes in Sirsa

Abstract

This study explores parental attitudes towards female participation in sports in Sirsa, Haryana, a district marked by strong cultural traditions and gender biases. Despite notable success stories like Geeta Phogat and Sakshi Malik, female sports participation at the grassroots level faces resistance. The research surveyed 104 parents, using a self-designed questionnaire, to assess their support for daughters' involvement in sports. The results revealed overwhelming support for the importance of physical education and sports for girls, with a majority encouraging their daughters to participate in both recreational and competitive sports. However, concerns about barriers to female sports participation and limited community opportunities persist. While traditional views, such as prioritizing academics over sports or believing boys are naturally more athletic, remain, there is a growing shift toward gender equality in sports. The findings suggest that while progress is being made, targeted efforts are needed to improve accessibility and inclusivity for girls in sports.