Is it defensible for women to play fewer sets than men in grand slam tennis?

Paul Davis*, Lisa Edwards

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Lacking in the philosophy of sport is discussion of the gendered numbers of sets played in Grand Slam tennis. We argue that the practice is indefensible. It can be upheld only through false beliefs about women or repressive femininity ideals. It treats male tennis players unfairly in forcing them to play more sets because of their sex. Its ideological consequences are pernicious, since it reinforces the respective identifications of the female and male with physical limitation and heroism. Both sexes have compelling reason to reject the practice.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)388-407
Number of pages20
JournalJournal of the Philosophy of Sport
Volume44
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 25 Sept 2017

Keywords

  • Tennis
  • feminism
  • ideology
  • injustice
  • sets

Cite this