Playing With the Boys

This is a courageous book. The Eileen McDonagh and Laura Pappano illustrate how our stereotypical thinking about Women in sports can diminish not only the great accomplishments of women athletes, but shows how our views have been shaped by unsportman-like events in politics and by the media. This is not about men vs women, or a treatise on how the sexes should compete. It is simply a well researched and common sense read that challenges us to re think what sports is all about in America. It keeps the focus on what is important; Sports.

Even if you don't like sports, you should read this book because it is about a lot more than games. It argues powerfully that sports matters in American society and that it is an entrenched bastion of sex segregated policies that perpetuate false assumptions that women are inferior to men. Yes, of course , there are sex group differences, but those differences don't explain the myriad rules, regulations, and prohibitions that make a person's sex, rather than ability, the first criterion when assigning team membership. While you can probably guess at the obvious in ridiculous sex segregation (billiards, for example) there are also stories and abilities that will surprise you. Read it.

Well, think again. Eileen McDonagh and Laura Pappano have produced a highly provocative and stimulating thesis opposed to segregated boys and girls sports. You may not agree with the conclusion but careful readers of this argument will develop a respect their originality, seamless logic and compelling data and are likely to reconsider long-held beliefs on this subject.

This is a bold, thorough and unsparing account of coercive sex segregation in sports, both overt and insidious. The common current (and past) practices and beliefs about women's necessary 'places' on the field are called out and examined with great clarity. You may not think you need to be persuaded that women's coerced separation from men in sports is unfair and wrong; this reader belonged in that category. The facts and the argument they thoroughly support are nonetheless stunning, and enable the reader to reexamine the topic on a level both personal and political.

This book takes an in-depth look at the history of sports and womens inequalities and how far women have come. But it really make you realize how far women have to go. It is jam packed with examples of how segregating sports has lead to completely unequal treatment and how this not only effects top athletes but also all women. Women have proven over and over that they are not inferior in other areas - why is the sports arena any different? Let the games begin! I especially liked this book because the facts are so interesting and the authors presents them in a way that makes the book entertaining as well as informative. Anyone interested in gender equality would enjoy this book.