Honors Theses
Date of Award
Spring 5-8-2025
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Health, Exercise Science, and Recreation Management
First Advisor
Brennan Berg
Second Advisor
Andre Simmons
Third Advisor
Kristin Cullen-Lester
Relational Format
Dissertation/thesis
Abstract
This research paper analyzes the causes of the gender employment gap, or the underrepresentation of women, within professional sports team front offices. The research question, What are the effects on female employees working in the sports industry with the prevalent difference in the number of women employed, analyzes the female experience in the industry. To answer this question, a group of female employees were surveyed on their experiences in the industry. An emphasis was placed on if a woman had at least one negative experience in the industry and also if that negative experience led them to have a decline in their performance. A qualitative analysis was conducted to review the results and every participant acknowledged that they have witnessed the underrepresentation of women within their various organizations. Similarly, the majority of these participants noted that they have had at least one negative experience working as a woman in the industry. In regards to the second main research question, the majority of the participants noted they did not feel their performance levels had declined, a few respondents did feel that due to the gender gap their production levels were impacted. This study provides first-hand accounts as to what working in a male dominated industry is truly like. Each participant noted there is still much work to be done to make the industry equitable for women.
Recommended Citation
Fitzpatrick, Reilly E., "Gender Employment Gap Within Professional Sports Team Front Offices" (2025). Honors Theses. 3235.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3235