Gender Leadership Imbalance in Latin American Sport Organizations

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine gender imbalance at the leadership level within Pan American countries’ administrators of National Olympic Committees, National Paralympic Committees and National Sport Organizations. Specifically, this study examined how social and human capital, socio-cultural aspects of each country, and power-based discourses affect the advancement of women’s careers at the micro, meso, and macro levels of analysis. Twelve female sport administrators were selected to participate. Participants hold the position of president, vice-president, or secretary-general of these sport organizations in seven countries across Latin America. Semi-structured interviews were used to examine how similar experiences defined women's careers in the sport industry. Findings of this investigation showed that participation barriers that prevent women’s access to sport leadership roles are most prevalent at the meso-level, being influenced by both endemic sexist discourses within the sport culture and socio-cultural factors. Results also revealed that social class and status provide women with better education opportunities and access to advance a career in sport. Participants perceived that despite the effects of a strong machista culture in their organizations, a generational change in leadership is occurring in these organizations.