Open Play
The Case for Feminist Sport
‘Open Play challenges the patriarchal system that has dictated women’s participation in sport around the world...This book is not just a must-read – it should become foundational in the future of women’s sport from the grassroots to professional levels.’ – Flo Lloyd-Hughes, sports writer and broadcaster
Sheree Bekker and Stephen Mumford argue that the category of 'women's sport' is not the feminist win some would have you believe. Instead, the segregation of women in sport is just one of the many ways in which women are told to expect less from society. Women had to fight to be included in sport in the first place, and are now only included under far less favourable terms than those enjoyed by men. There are better ways to ensure safety and fairness than segregation by gender. And this matters deeply: ending gender segregation would encourage a more equitable distribution of resources, increase women's participation in sport and challenge outdated, sexist myths about women and their bodies.
Sheree Bekker is Associate Professor in the Department for Health at the University of Bath. Her work centres on feminist perspectives in sport and she is co-lead of the Feminist Sport Lab.
Stephen Mumford is a philosopher at Durham University. His many books include Football: The Philosophy Behind the Game (2019) and A Philosopher Looks at Sport (2021), and he is also co-lead of the Feminist Sport Lab.
