ABSTRACT
Sports both reflect and influence the social values and hierarchies of regions and nations. We describe how the portrayal of women in sport affects gender perceptions, focusing on the impact of The Battle of the Sexes tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs that was seen live by millions on ABC Sports. Sport is shown as a precursor for social change using the examples of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in baseball and the integration of other sports several years before those barriers fell in public education. We look at the impact Muhammad Ali had as he fearlessly challenged racism and swung the tide of public opinion. The chapter also shows how sport affects personal behavior and identity.
