In Out of Bounds , feminist Helen Lenskyj presents an insightful examination of the links between women's participation in sports and the control of their reproductive capacity and sexuality. She identifies the female frailty myth, the illusion of male athletic superiority and the concept of compulsory heterosexuality as powerful determinants of "masculinity" and "femininity" in the realm of sport.<br /><br />Looking at developments from the 1880's to the 1980's, Lenskyj discusses medical views of women's health and physical potential and examines the social attitudes and practices that keep girls and women from participating in the full range of sports and physical activities. Topics include contact sports, self-defence, fitness, bodybuilding and women-only sport. Photographs, memorabilia and eye-opening information covering 100 years reveals the missing links between women, sport and sexuality.
Author(s): Helen Lenskyj
Series: Women’s Press Issues Series
Publisher: Canadian Scholars’ Press
Year: 1986
Language: English
Pages: 0
City: Toronto
Tags: Sports for women -- History;Femininity;Sex (Psychology);Sports for women
Acknowledgements
Introduction
I: DOCTORS HAVE THE FIRST WORD
Modesty is a Virtue
Duty Before Pleasure
The Monthly Incapacity
Women's Delicate Organs
The Mothers of Tomorrow
II: MAINTAINING MOTHERHOOD
It's Not in Women's Nature To Compete
An Aid for Menstrual Pain
An Accident of the Calendar
Normal Bodily Functions
III: PERFECTING WOMANHOOD THROUGH SPORT
Lady Cyclists, Not Mannish Women
The Demands of Womanly Propriety
Free to Be a Flapper
IV: THE EVOLUTION OF HETEROSEXUALITY
Only for the War's Duration
The Sportswoman and the Feminine Mystique They Don't Look Like WomenV: THE SEXUALITY ISSUE
Pretty Players and Sexy Cheerleaders
Tell Them We're Amazons
VI: EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN SPORT
An Offence Against Public Decency
Fighting Women
VII: FIT AND FEMININE
Feminine Muscles Only
CONCLUSION: WOMEN HAVE THE LAST WORD
Notes
Selected Bibliography
