The popularity of women's football is growing internationally and in Italy, where the first Serie A Women's championship played by professionals ended. However, strong resistance to the combination of "women and football" continues to persist: despite the fact that one in three women declares herself passionate about football, this sport is considered decidedly more "masculine" by almost 40% of Italians.
The effect of prejudice also has an impact on the youngest group of respondents (18-35 years) but for protection: one in four would try to change the mind of a girl who shows passion for football, for fear that she could suffer some form of discrimination. Finally, 67.5% of Italians believe that there is a general discrimination against women in the workplace: for two out of three people, women are penalized in career opportunities and some professions are still considered more masculine (such as engineer or surgeon).
These are some of the evidences that emerged from the research "Women, work and sport" commissioned by eBay to the Human Highway research institute that highlights the opinion of Italians on the theme "women and football" and the activities traditionally considered "masculine", between old discrimination and a new enthusiasm for a rapidly growing movement.
A further opportunity for eBay, already a partner of the FIGC Women's Football Division, to promote knowledge and projects aimed at promoting inclusion and gender equality in every area.
The year just ended was a historic year for women's football, in which the players conquered the scene. The data of the FIGC Study Center show a strong increase in the number of registered players - in the 2021-22 sports season the new memberships in youth women's football have reached the historical number of 11,278, while the total number of members has increased by 94% between 2008 and 2022 - and the following by the public - the followers of the 10 Serie A clubs on social channels have more than doubled compared to 2021, In addition to the increase in television ratings and attendance at the stadium.
As happens in the workplace and in the occupations of everyday life, even in sport women still suffer from prejudices that see them less suited to certain disciplines or professions. The majority of Italians believe that there is discrimination against women (67.5%). For two out of three people, women are penalized in career opportunities, average salary and working conditions and there are professions that are still considered more suitable for a man, for example engineer or surgeon.
Although one in three women declares herself passionate about football, this sport is considered decidedly more "masculine" by almost 40% of Italians and one in ten would still make fun of a woman footballer. The majority of these views are expressed by men, who say they are less favourable because they believe that the gap in the game between men and women in football is enormous. Among these, one in three believes that football is a historically male sport; For one in five, women's football is considered slow and boring, because the female physique is less powerful and one in ten thinks that the football field is too large for a woman's athletic condition.
An ambivalent situation is recorded among the new generations: 23% of respondents between 18-24 years and between 25-35 years (compared to 11% of the more mature groups) would support the choice of a child to play football, but would dissuade her for fear that she will be mocked and isolated. A quarter of the sample thinks there are more suitable sports and would try to change her mind. A 15.3% openly declare that football is not a sport "for women". In general, 80% of Italians welcome a child's passion for football, but the fear that she may suffer some form of discrimination is a very strong brake.
Not a dissimilar fate for an adult woman who claims to practice football: if it is true that over 80% say they find this choice natural, more than 10% of respondents show resistance and would suggest her to change sports.
The novelty of the transition to professionalism for the players of the top flight of women's football, which took place at the beginning of July 2022, was positively welcomed by 83% of the sample, but there is a 15% who does not care. And if the majority (4 out of 5) think that professional footballers will then have a future by coaching other women's (or men's) Serie A teams, as managers or as TV commentators, 15% believe that it is better for them to change sports. Nine out of ten see no problem with the role of female managers in men's football and 4 out of 5 would like more. 60% of respondents believe that female leaders need to be better than men to be credible, and 50% believe they are actually better. For 1 in 4 respondents, women managers in football have little credibility; for 1 in 5 they are a forcing or can be good in minor leagues, but not in the men's Serie A.
