Impact of Women's Right Movement & Title IX

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By the end of this lesson, you will understand the societal changes in perceptions of women during the 1960s and 70s, the passage of Title IX, and its impact on women's and men’s sports programs in the United States.

Shifting Views

The 1960s and 70s were a time of great social change in the United States. Movements for the rights of marginalized groups gained momentum, including the women's liberation movement, which aimed to challenge gender norms and demand equality across various aspects of life. Women’s participation in sports was significantly influenced by these societal shifts. The passage of Title IX in 1972 brought about critical changes, requiring schools and institutions to provide equal opportunities to all genders in educational programs and athletics.

Shifting Views Presentation on Women in the 1960s and 70s

Use the learning object below to learn more about the shifting views on women in the 1960s and 70s.

Challenges and Continuing Inequalities

Despite progress, challenges remain in achieving full gender equity. Funding gaps persist, with men’s programs often receiving more financial support. Media coverage and endorsements also tend to favor male athletes, leaving female athletes with fewer sponsorship opportunities.

The 2021 NCAA basketball tournament highlighted these disparities when stark differences between the men's and women’s weight rooms (pictured) sparked widespread criticism. This incident underscored the ongoing need for advocacy and action to ensure equal treatment in sports.

Check out the video below from @Kalhan on TikTok. She highlights the disparity in weight equipment provided to the men’s and women’s teams at the NCAA Basketball Tournament.

Looking Ahead

Efforts to close these gaps are ongoing. Policymakers, organizations, and athletes continue to push for fairer funding, better media representation, and expanded opportunities for women in professional sports.

Title IX Self-Assessment

Ticket 'outta Here

In this lesson, we learned about the societal changes of the 1960s and 70s that reshaped perceptions of women, the transformative impact of Title IX, and the progress made toward gender equity in sports. While Title IX revolutionized athletics by promoting equal opportunities and challenging stereotypes, ongoing advocacy is essential to address the remaining inequalities. The journey toward complete gender equity in sports continues, inspiring future generations to strive for fairness and inclusivity.

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