Sexualization and Objectification of Female Athletes on Sport Magazine Covers: Improvement, Consistency, or Decline?
Cynthia Frisby, Ph.D.

Abstract
A content analysis was conducted based on 109 photographs of female athletes found on the cover of two magazines popular among sports fans: Sports Illustrated and ESPN The Magazine. We were interested in determining the extent to which portrayals of female athletes have improved, stayed consistent, or decreased in the last five years. Building on prior research, analysis revealed that female athletes depicted on the covers of sports magazines are still being sexualized and objectified, depicted in seductive poses and scantily clad clothing while male athletes are often seen in their team uniforms depicted in active, game playing athletic motions associated or related to his sport (p < .0001). Statistically significant data led us to conclude that female athletes continue to be frequently sexualized and/or featured in ways that emphasize physical and bodily features, thus continuing to enhance cultural notions regarding gender roles and that female athletes are women first, athletes second.

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