The Mythical Level Playing Field: A Study of Inequality and Discrimination in the World of Sport

The field of sports prides itself with providing a level playing field for all participants by categorizing, dividing, and labelling them accordingly to maintain homogeneity as society remains a heterogenous group of individuals. A closer look into its functioning reveals a field highly influenced by discrimination which causes inequality in a setting where equality is key. The intersectionality between caste, class, race, and gender, affects sports as it does any other societal institution. Influencing its functioning, the intersectionality changes sporting experiences for multiple stakeholders, becoming a defining factor in the lives of many sportspersons. Analysing the field of sports as a societal institution, this paper aims to study the typically hierarchical, male-dominated institution that is formed; where gender, caste and class-based divisions and discrimination lead to tainted experiences, ultimately affecting participation. Societal factors and inherent, deep rooted views render the "level playing field" a mere myth, promised but rarely provided.