1
This Can’t Be Right: Only Women Should Compete in Women’s Sports
Capella University
PSYC-FPX3310 Brain, Body, Behavior
, 2
This Can’t Be Right: Only Women Should Compete in Women’s Sports
Introduction
The topic of gender in sports has long been a subject of debate and controversy. One
such controversial statement is the notion that "only women should compete in women's
sports" (American Psychological Association, 2022). There are many opinions, facts as well
as profound research around this controversial topic. Psychology emphasizes the importance
of understanding gender identity and its impact on an individual's participation in sports.
Psychologists focus on mental health, self-perception, and social attitudes towards gender in
sports. They use qualitative research methods such as interviews and surveys to explore
athletes' experiences and attitudes. On the other hand, sports science looks at biological
differences between men and women, such as muscle mass and hormone levels, to explain
the division in sports. Sports scientists focus on physical performance, injury susceptibility,
and training methods tailored to each gender. With many different viewpoints, also comes
many flawed sources that rely heavily on opinion, bias and non-reputable or valid
information. This paper aims to explore the statement of “only women should participate in
women’s sports” as well as analyze a flawed source of information, and examine the
psychological and biological mechanisms underlying the issue from peer reviewed sources.
Flawed Source
A search for information on the controversial statement yielded a blog post titled
"World Athletics has banned transgender women from participating in women's sports at the
Summer 2024 Paris Olympics to "protect the female category" and to "keep competition
fair." What thoughts come to you?" (Quora, n.d.) Quora is a flawed source of information for
This Can’t Be Right: Only Women Should Compete in Women’s Sports
Capella University
PSYC-FPX3310 Brain, Body, Behavior
, 2
This Can’t Be Right: Only Women Should Compete in Women’s Sports
Introduction
The topic of gender in sports has long been a subject of debate and controversy. One
such controversial statement is the notion that "only women should compete in women's
sports" (American Psychological Association, 2022). There are many opinions, facts as well
as profound research around this controversial topic. Psychology emphasizes the importance
of understanding gender identity and its impact on an individual's participation in sports.
Psychologists focus on mental health, self-perception, and social attitudes towards gender in
sports. They use qualitative research methods such as interviews and surveys to explore
athletes' experiences and attitudes. On the other hand, sports science looks at biological
differences between men and women, such as muscle mass and hormone levels, to explain
the division in sports. Sports scientists focus on physical performance, injury susceptibility,
and training methods tailored to each gender. With many different viewpoints, also comes
many flawed sources that rely heavily on opinion, bias and non-reputable or valid
information. This paper aims to explore the statement of “only women should participate in
women’s sports” as well as analyze a flawed source of information, and examine the
psychological and biological mechanisms underlying the issue from peer reviewed sources.
Flawed Source
A search for information on the controversial statement yielded a blog post titled
"World Athletics has banned transgender women from participating in women's sports at the
Summer 2024 Paris Olympics to "protect the female category" and to "keep competition
fair." What thoughts come to you?" (Quora, n.d.) Quora is a flawed source of information for
