Leah Oldham

Sport and Violence Against Women offers an incisive examination of violence against women in the world of athletics. Drawing on decades of award-winning sociological research, authors Walter S. DeKeseredy, Martin D. Schwartz, and Leah Oldham provide an accessible yet rigorous analysis that bridges empirical evidence, theoretical frameworks, and policy considerations. The book confronts urgent questions, exploring why elite, amateur, and professional sports often serve as strongholds for rape culture, misogyny, and abuse; the roles of male athletes, coaches, and authority figures in perpetuating physical, sexual, psychological, and economic violence against women and girls; and how a culture of toxic masculinity persists in sports, even as other sectors of society make strides toward greater gender equity. By exploring the political, economic, and organizational factors that sustain these harmful dynamics, the authors illuminate the broader social forces at play and challenge readers to consider what can be done to address these pressing issues. Impactful and relevant, Sport and Violence Against Women is essential reading for scholars, policymakers, journalists, athletics enthusiasts, and laypeople alike – sparking debate and demanding action in the ongoing fight against violence toward women in sport.