Is the Perception of Women as "Caregivers" Hindering Their Ability to Excel in the Workforce?

While listening to Barb’s presentation, one concept that particularly stuck out to me was the rapid increase in female athletic trainers, while there is still a very small percentage of women in the role of head athletic trainers. When I asked about this at the end of class, Barb replied that because women are natural caregivers they flourished within the profession. However, I wonder if the preconceived ideas of women being nurturing is causing women’s progress to remain stagnant within other areas of athletics. We have previously discussed the decrease of women in coaching which is primarily due to people’s biases against women in positions of leadership. It was also partially attributed to more men pushing their way into the profession when collegiate coaching became more profitable (in part due to title nine), and men became more interested in coaching women's athletics. It seems as though women are able to excel as athletic trainers due to peoples inclinations to view women as working for and under others instead of being in charge of others. This is similar to how people will always assume a woman in scrubs is a nurse, yet a man in scrubs is assumed to be a doctor. 

The dichotomy between the rising numbers of female athletic trainers and the limited presence in leadership roles suggests a larger challenge amongst women in the corporate world. While the stereotype of women as caregivers might explain their prevalence in certain roles, it shouldn't limit their opportunities for advancement. The assumption that nurturing qualities confine women to specific positions risks perpetuating traditional gender roles and inhibiting progress toward gender equality in the workforce. Addressing biases against women in leadership positions is crucial to fostering a more inclusive and diverse environment within the sports industry. It highlights the need for dismantling stereotypes that may unintentionally impede the full realization of women's potential across various facets of athletics. Deconstructing preconceived notions pertaining to working women and breaking down gender-related barriers is essential for creating an equitable landscape in sports.