Major project and research

Examining Contemporary Disparities in Footballing Opportunities in India: A Comprehensive Analysis of Gender Discrepancies and the Impact of Media Influence

Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University

University School of Mass Communication Government of N.C.T of Delhi Sector 16-C, New Delhi-110075

Course Code- MAJN 257

Course Title- Major Project Proposal

SUBMITTED TO: SUBMITTED BY:

Dr. Sweta Singh, Mentor Vishaish Kumar Kashyap

Assistant Professor 00420314022

GGSIPU USMC MA(MC) SEM-III

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my profound gratitude to Dr. Sweta Singh for her contributions to the completion of my project titled “Examining Contemporary Disparities in Footballing Opportunities in India: A Comprehensive Analysis of Gender Discrepancies and the Impact of Media Influence”

Your sound advice and suggestions benefited me during the project’s completion. Concerning this, I am eternally grateful to you. I want to acknowledge that I completed this project.

Signature

VISHAISH KUMAR KASHYAP

CERTIFICATION OF ORIGINALITY

This is to certify that I VISHAISH KUMAR KASHYAP, a student of USMC, have completed my Major Project Proposal on Examining Contemporary Disparities in Footballing Opportunities in India: A Comprehensive Analysis of Gender Discrepancies and the Impact of Media Influence under the supervision of Dr. Sweta Singh during the academic year 2023 as per the guidelines given by USMC.

Dr. Sweta Singh

Mentor, Assistant Professor

GGSIPU USMC

_ABSTRACT

_{This research aims to comprehensively examine contemporary disparities in footballing opportunities in India, with a specific focus on gender discrepancies and the influential role of media. By adopting a mixed-methods approach, this study seeks to investigate the current state of gender disparities in football, analyze media influence on shaping perceptions, and understand the impact of such disparities on player development and recognition. Through surveys and qualitative interviews, the research aims to uncover the multifaceted factors contributing to gender inequalities in football. The findings are expected to provide valuable insights for stakeholders, policymakers, and practitioners in fostering a more inclusive and equitable footballing environment.}

_{This is also an attempt to analyse how Media plays a strategic role monetarily to create such a drastic disparity between funding and broadcasting between Men’s and Women’s football leagues. By analysing the reasons we can probably be able to find possible solutions to decrease the differences and also encourage Women athletes to opt for the sport more and also increase viewership of the game.}

_INTRODUCTION

In contemporary football, the study”Examining Contemporary Disparities in Footballing Opportunities in India: A Comprehensive Analysis of Gender Discrepancies and the Impact of Media Influence” holds paramount significance. Despite the strides made towards inclusivity, persistent gender disparities in footballing opportunities persist, creating a stark contrast between the experiences of male and female athletes. As a powerful societal mirror, the influence of media plays a crucial role in shaping and perpetuating these discrepancies.

Gender biases in media representation affect not only the visibility of female footballers but also contribute to unequal opportunities, sponsorships, and recognition within the sport. The prevailing disparities demand a nuanced understanding beyond the surface, necessitating a comprehensive analysis to unravel the intricate web of factors that contribute to gender inequalities in football. This also carries forward to the society’s general overview regarding women in sports.

One of my previous research titled “Gender Representation in Sports Films: Analysis of Female Athletes in Hindi Cinema (2000-2003)” showcased the outcome that the amount of viewership and type of viewership shapes people’s opinion on Female Athletes.

This study seeks to delve into the multifaceted dynamics at play, examining not only overt discriminatory practices but also subtle biases and systemic barriers that hinder the progress of female athletes. By scrutinizing the impact of media representation alongside structural and cultural factors, the research aims to provide a holistic understanding of contemporary gender disparities in football.

The need for this comprehensive analysis is underscored by the potential to inform meaningful interventions and policy changes. By unravelling the layers of inequality, the study aspires to contribute valuable insights that can catalyze positive transformations in footballing opportunities, fostering a more equitable and inclusive landscape for aspiring athletes, regardless of gender particularly in a country like ours with such a massive population to garner and yet receiving such less viewership of female versions of the sport.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

1. Research Objective 1:

– To analyze the specific elements of media representation, including commentary language, and League Durations, and their contribution to gender disparities in footballing opportunities.

2. Research Objective 2:

– To identify and quantify systemic and cultural factors within contemporary football in India, such as institutional policies and Salary structures, that contribute to gender inequalities in opportunities, recognition, and representation, while exploring their intersection with media dynamics.

3. Research Objective 3:

– To assess the measurable impact of current footballing structures, including league formats, sponsorship criteria, and endorsement practices, on the development and visibility of male and female athletes, and to formulate specific recommendations for modifying these structures to enhance gender equity.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. How does media representation contribute to and perpetuate gender disparities in footballing opportunities in India, and what specific elements of media influence play a significant role in shaping these discrepancies?

2. What are the systemic barriers and cultural factors within contemporary football that contribute to gender inequalities in opportunities, recognition, and representation, and how do these factors intersect with media dynamics?

3. In what ways do current footballing structures, including leagues, sponsorships, and endorsements, impact the development and visibility of male and female athletes, and how can these structures be reimagined to promote gender equity within the sport?

SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY

Contemporary football is marked by persistent gender disparities that extend beyond the playing field, affecting the very fabric of opportunities available to male and female athletes not only in India but across the World. This study is of paramount significance for several reasons, rooted in its comprehensive exploration of gender discrepancies and the influential role of media within the footballing landscape in India.

1. Unraveling Media Dynamics:

– The research addresses the critical need to dissect specific elements of media representation, such as commentary language and visual portrayals. By doing so, it seeks to uncover how these components contribute to and perpetuate gender disparities in footballing opportunities. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for devising targeted interventions to challenge and reshape media narratives.

2. Identifying Systemic Barriers and Cultural Factors:

– Through a meticulous examination of systemic and cultural factors within contemporary football, the study aims to pinpoint institutional policies and cultural norms that contribute to gender inequalities. This investigation, coupled with an exploration of their intersection with media dynamics, provides a nuanced understanding of the root causes of disparities, laying the foundation for informed interventions.

3. Measuring Impact on Footballing Structures:

– The research endeavours to quantify the impact of current footballing structures in India, including league formats, sponsorship criteria, and endorsement practices, on the development and visibility of male and female athletes. This empirical analysis is instrumental in assessing the efficacy of existing structures and, critically, in formulating specific recommendations for modifications that can foster a more equitable playing field.

4. Catalyzing Positive Change:

– By addressing the aforementioned research questions and objectives, the study aims to contribute actionable insights to drive positive change within the footballing ecosystem. Recommendations emerging from this research have the potential to inform policy reforms, structural adjustments, and media practices, ultimately fostering an environment where gender equity is prioritized, celebrated, and embedded in every aspect of the sport.

5. Shaping Inclusive and Equitable Footballing Opportunities in India:

– The holistic approach of this study, combining media analysis with an examination of systemic factors, positions it as a catalyst for shaping inclusive and equitable footballing opportunities in our country India. It seeks not only to diagnose the existing disparities but to offer tangible solutions that resonate across various facets of the footballing landscape in India.

This research holds significance not only for academia but also for stakeholders, policymakers, and practitioners invested in fostering a footballing environment that transcends gender biases.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

1. Gender as a Social Construct:

– Explore the concept of gender as a social construct, acknowledging its impact on shaping societal perceptions, expectations, and opportunities within the realm of football in India.

2. Media Influence and Representation Theories:

– Incorporate media theories such as cultivation theory, agenda-setting, and framing to understand how media shapes perceptions and contributes to gender inequalities in football representation.

3. Intersectionality:

– Apply the intersectionality framework to dissect the interplay between gender, ethnicity, socio-economic factors, and other identity markers in footballing opportunities and media portrayals.

4. Institutional Theory:

– Examine institutional structures within football organizations and media outlets in our country, analyzing how established norms and policies contribute to or challenge gender disparities in Indian society.

5. Critical Feminist Perspectives:

– Utilize critical feminist perspectives to deconstruct power dynamics, stereotypes, and biases within football and media, providing a lens for understanding the structural challenges faced by female athletes in the Football League in India.

6. Structural Functionalism:

– Explore structural functionalism to assess the roles and functions of various components within the footballing ecosystem, including leagues, sponsorships, and media, in perpetuating or mitigating gender disparities.

9. Social Capital Theory:

– Integrate social capital theory to explore the networks, relationships, and social dynamics that contribute to disparities in opportunities and recognition for male and female footballers in India.

10. Media Framing Analysis:

– Employ media framing analysis to dissect how news stories, broadcasts, and promotional content frame discussions around male and female football, identifying the underlying biases and narratives that shape public perception.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

1. Development of Indian Football: Club Partnerships & Fan Engagement by Yash Mangesh Sawant

This paper explores the recent development of Indian football with a specific focus on the role of club partnerships and fan engagement. The evolution of Indian football is marked by strategic collaborations between clubs, including international and corporate alliances.

These partnerships contribute to financial stability, player development, and the growth of youth academies. Additionally, football clubs are actively engaging with fans through digital platforms, interactive match-day experiences, and community outreach programs. Challenges such as limited infrastructure and the need for a competitive league system are acknowledged. The paper concludes by highlighting the promising trajectory of Indian football, emphasizing sustained growth in both on-field quality and fan passion.

2. Career Development of Successful Indian Football Players: Analysis of the Media Materials by Akansha Hirani School of Health and Welfare Halmstad University

The present study findings have revealed the dark side and positive side of Indian sports. These athletes have faced both sides of sports. Aditi’s story is a representation of the dark side and then the positive side of sport, where she had to work extra hard to reach success. In that process she struggled with injury, surgery, rehabilitation, and lost years of playing football. These events affected her, but she overcame them and created her football academy to train girls. Sunil’s story first revealed the positive side and then the negative side of sport where the focus was on effort and development he did not have to face big struggles like Aditi, but he had his little struggles of not being able to get selected for international teams despite that he had career incline towards success. Both athletes did not terminate from sports despite the circumstances faced. In Franck & Stambulova’s (2019) research paper on the junior-senior transition of two Swedish athletes, a similar case happened where Erik’s story represented the positive side and Jessika’s story revealed the dark side of the sport that affected their transition, they managed to cope but decided to terminate from sports.

Aditi and Sunil had different story narratives. Aditi’s career story gravitates towards Book et al.’s (2020b) sink-or-swim narrative. When Aditi faced injury, her journey was full of challenges and struggles, it was defining and tested her character, belief, dedication, and focus. But this phase of injury challenged her mentally and physically. Aditi explained what sort of sacrifices were required out of the professional players. She was clear that she wanted to be a professional football player and that even if she had to sacrifice everything, she was ready to face and fight her fears. Aditi’s story was an interpretation of how she had a choice to either sink with that injury phase or swim across and face her fears and achieve success.

Sunil, his story gravitates towards performance narrative. He had the ambition to achieve success at any cost, Sunil prioritised football over his education and other life activities. This story indicated his single-minded dedication towards football performance, winning was important to him, and achievements in football were linked to his career incline. A similar happened in Franck & Stambulova’s (2019) research paper on the junior-senior transition of two Swedish athletes, where Erik and Jessica both had performance narrative as a central storyline. Based on these stories, the performance narrative of these athletes was described as having ambitious athletic goals. The performance narrative indicated they had strong athletic identities (Franck & Stambulova, 2019).