Should men play against women in some sports?

India
March 4, 2010 11:13pm CST
Obviously not football, or any contact or collision sport. Men are physically superior, although I read that this could be at least partially attributed to the fact women weren't encouraged to do anything physical (be it work or sport) until recently, and that since the push for equality they've caught up in leaps and bounds. Even so, it's a given that the average man is bigger and stronger than the average woman, and I'm not suggesting that women boxers should step up to the plate. But what about non-contact sports? Power is still a big part of some of these sports, like tennis or golf, and you could argue that the average woman would still be disadvantaged. (I hear you but Serena Williams is NOT average.) And what about sports that are much less reliant on physical attributes? Sports like darts, motor racing, horse riding, snooker or even chess? Should gender segregation be abandoned in some of these sports? Where do you draw the line? Note: I'm aware that some women have already entered the world of men's sport, but generally these were one-off exhibitions. I'm talking more about a widespread breakdown of the barriers, and where and when you think it's a viable option. Also, I'm aware that the definition of sport varies and some people will dispute some examples like chess or card games. Just go with it and humour me.
3 responses
@Torunn (8609)
• Norway
9 Mar 10
There's no gender seperation in horse riding actually, not for horses and not for riders :-) So, we compete against eachother all the time.
5 Mar 10
I think it would be great for some sprots if they had a mixed tournament. It would also encourage more women into sports too I think. You are right about the pthsical sports, I'd hate to see a womans rugby team bieng tackled to the ground by those burly male rugby players. But things like snooker, darts, golf etc would be good, I even think football would be good to mix too.
@mensab (4200)
• Philippines
5 Mar 10
i remember that in chess, judith polgar, a woman grandmaster, has been competing in regular chess tournaments along side with male counterparts. well, she usually finds herself alone as a woman. but she has beaten strong grandmasters and even winning some of the tournaments. so i don't believe that gender will be a barrier to see one day men and women on the same court. true that some sports require physical strength, but most require mentality and will which women are superior than men.