Masculinity, women and football
David Wood, Emeritus Professor of Latin American Studies, School of Languages and Cultures.
Gender equality means it being as easy for women and girls to play football as it is for men and boys - and that the ways in which they are represented and discussed are also equal.
'I was the principal investigator on an international research network called A Level Playing Field, which is no longer active.
The network explored the practice and representation of women’s football in South America, working with academic colleagues, players and NGOs in Argentina, Brazil and Colombia.
We sought to highlight the obstacles to gender equality in football in South America and share how these have been challenged and overcome.
Several of my publications examine women’s football in Argentina and Brazil and the impact that notions of masculinity have on the sport.'