Breaking the Glass: The Perception of Gender Disparity from Future Sport Professionals

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate gender disparities among students seeking entrance into the sports industry. With the growing trend of women facing differences in the sports industry, an exploration of the connection between professional challenges and the perception of future professions is necessary. A convenience sample of one hundred and fifty one (N=151) subjects who possessed sport related academic majors were selected to participate in the study. The subjects' ages, racial groups, classifications, and university or college of attendance varied. Two of the sites surveyed were classified as Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Subjects were asked to complete a questionnaire, which consisted of 15 question items. A modified version of the Career Pathway Survey (CPS) was used as the questionnaire for this research project. The questionnaire was distributed via email to the subjects using an anonymous Google Forms link. Descriptive statistics were used to assess if a significant relationship existed between the responses of the Career Pathway Survey and demographic variables. These variables included student major, gender, age, classification, and race. Keywords: Gender disparities in sports, sport management students, glass ceilings, career opportunities, career preparation