In this first legal analysis of Title IX, Deborah L. Brake assesses the
statute's successes and failures, using a feminist theory lens to
understand, defend, and critique the law. While the statute has created
tremendous gains for female athletes, not only raising the visibility
and cultural acceptance of women in sports, but also creating social
bonds for
women, positive body images, and leadership roles, the disparities in
funding between men's and women's sports have
remained remarkably resilient. At the same time, female athletes
continue to receive less prestige and support than their male
counterparts, which in turn filters into the arena of professional
sports. Brake provides a richer understanding and appreciation of what
Title IX has accomplished, while taking a critical look at the places
where the law has fallen short.
A unique contribution to the literature on Title IX, Getting in the Game
fully explores the theory, policy choices, and successes and limitations
of this historic law.