The Role of Gender Stereotypes in the Formation and Consolidation of Gender Schemas among Female Athletes: A Systematic Review

Gender stereotypes are among the most influential social factors shaping attitudes, beliefs, and expectations regarding feminine and masculine roles. These stereotypes can affect women's opportunities, choices, and levels of participation across various domains, including sport. The persistence of gender stereotypes throughout the socialization process contributes to the development and consolidation of gender schemas, thereby influencing the attitudes and behaviors of female athletes. Accordingly, the present study aimed to examine the role of gender stereotypes in the formation and consolidation of gender schemas among female athletes from childhood to adulthood.

This study employed a systematic review approach, involving a comprehensive search of major scientific databases and a qualitative content analysis of relevant studies. The findings revealed that gender stereotypes influence the formation and consolidation of gender schemas among female athletes primarily through four major factors: family, education, media, and socio-cultural structures. The transmission of traditional gender attitudes by parents, gender segregation in educational and sports settings, stereotypical media representations, and restrictive cultural norms were identified as the most significant contributing factors.

The findings further suggest that reducing the impact of gender stereotypes requires coordinated interventions at multiple levels, including the family, educational system, media, and cultural and sport policy-making. Such interventions may contribute to increasing women's participation in sport and promoting gender equality in sporting environments.