COMPETING FOR WAVES: THE UNJUST REALITY OF WOMEN´S POSITION IN THE WORLD OF SURFING

Abstract

Throughout the years, women have suffered from oppression delivered by the male chauvinism. This maltreatment was present in every aspect of life, and surf was no exception. Since surfing has existed, it has been thought to be a sport just for men. Has this misconception driven women to avoid the sport at all costs for several years and dedicate themselves to completely different activities? This paper will provide an insight on the evolution of women´s role in this sport. Moreover, the situation which women from all over the world have been forced to bear will be analyzed. For many years, women have lived in a sexist society, which has given privileges to men in every aspect of life. Due to this fact, men have built this idea of superiority when compared to women. This misconception has driven male surfers to think that they are the only one worthy of surfing at a competitive level. They often insult and assault women who attempt to join the surf world. Fortunately, this sexist way of conceiving women´s role in surfing has changed with the passing of time. Consequently, nowadays it is able to see millions of woman enroll in the historic sport. Even so, many years of unfair differences and oppressions had to pass in order for women to be treated equally in the Surf world.

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