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Gender is the term now widely used to refer to the ways in which a culture reformulates what begins as a fact of nature. As a society we have formed values, norms and beliefs which are carried on and projected by social institutions such as the labor market, the media, education, religion and others. These values, norms and beliefs have great impact in the ability for individuals to move up the social hierarchy as well as determining gender role. Gender roles and norms often result as the outcome of a socialization process based on the dominant values, norms and beliefs of society. .
Masculinities and Athletic Careers - A Look into the Role Sports Play in Gender Development.
The article by Michael Menner, Masculinities and Athletic careers, studies the relationship between sports and gender. More specifically, he examines the belief that organized sports has the potential, furthermore, it is often used, as a tool for cultivating gender identity. Menner speaks on the impact that organize sports has on men. The study suggests and partly disputes the notion that sports is a place were "boys become men". Menner agrees that through sports young men can acquire characteristics that have been deemed as "masculine" by society such as competitive spirit, winning above all attitude, toughness, and other characteristics. .
Furthermore, he argues that for most kids, a sport begins as a fun place where kids can grow a sense of friendship and "closeness" with peers. Yet, as most kids get older, he believes that sports tends to become more competitive and less focus on developing friendships due to external influences ( father, uncles, friends, and male figures). Menner attributes the shift of attitude towards sports to the influence of men in the kid's life. Simply, Menner believes that a sport is not a means to become men. Instead, sports helps children acquire masculine values that are already ingrained by social members at a very early age.