The Development of Women's Sports: Content Analysis of Research in the Last Decade

Shafiee, Shahram; Mirzamani, Zahra

doi:10.22089/rws.2025.17885.1060

The Development of Women's Sports: Content Analysis of Research in the Last Decade

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Shahram Shafiee

zahra mirzamani

Department of Sports Management, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22089/rws.2025.17885.1060

Abstract

Extended Abstract
Background and Purpose
Historically, women have faced numerous social challenges, one of the most significant being limited access and opportunity to participate in sports activities (Eidi, Bakhshi Chenari, and Fadaei Dehcheshmeh, 2019). Despite ample evidence documenting the multifaceted benefits of regular sports participation, women and girls globally continue to exhibit lower rates of engagement in physical activity compared to men (Laar, Zhang, Yu, Uwaya, and Ashraf, 2019). A variety of factors contribute to this disparity, including family economic status, religious beliefs, cultural norms, and broader social determinants, all of which shape women's sports involvement and commitment (Hashemi, Tejjari, Sajjadi Hazaveh, and Amirtash, 2022).
Data from 2018 indicate that more than one-quarter of adults globally fail to meet recommended physical activity levels, with inactivity more prevalent among women (31.7%) compared to men (23.4%) (Kontopantelis et al., 2018). Women’s sports, especially in traditionally conservative societies, have consistently faced particular barriers including gender discrimination, religious and cultural restrictions, insufficient sports infrastructure tailored for women, and limited institutional support from government and social entities. Globally and within professional sectors, female athletes often receive less financial backing and visibility than their male counterparts, restricting their opportunities for advancement and recognition (Zaeri Esfahani, 2021).
Given these obstacles, research focused on the development of women’s sports is critically important. Such research provides the evidence base necessary for crafting effective policies and strategic frameworks aimed at overcoming existing barriers. By analyzing the breadth of studies conducted in this field, researchers and policymakers can better understand challenges and develop targeted solutions to promote women’s active participation and loyalty in sports. Application of these insights at the macro-planning level has the potential to accelerate progress in women’s sports development, thereby increasing female participation rates across diverse societies.
Methods
This research adopted a quantitative content analysis methodology with a descriptive-analytical design to systematically describe and evaluate scholarly articles related to women’s sports development. The study population encompassed scientific research articles published between 2014 and 2024 examining various dimensions and aspects of female sports advancement.
Comprehensive database searches were conducted across multiple repositories including Civilica, the Regional Information Center for Science and Technology, Zadani, Magiran, Noormags, the Comprehensive Portal of Humanities, the Scientific Information Database of Jahad Daneshgahi, and the Islamic World Science Citation Center. The search strategy employed keywords such as “development of women’s sports,” “obstacles and factors influencing women’s sports development,” and “women’s participation in sports,” yielding 85 eligible articles subjected to content analysis.
Results
Analysis revealed that the majority of reviewed articles focused on the factors influencing the development of women’s sports, reflecting researchers’ intent to identify leverage points for enhancing female athletic participation. The next most common theme concerned barriers impeding development. Articles addressing challenges and strategies for advancing women’s sports accounted for the smallest proportion, underscoring a gap in applied intervention research.
The publication venues for this body of work were predominantly domain-specific journals. The Journal of Sports Management Studies featured the highest number of articles, followed by Strategic Studies of Youth Sports, the Journal of Sports Management, Communication Management in Sports Media, Contemporary Research in Sports Management, Management and Development of Sports, Research in Educational Sports, and Scientific-Research Quarterly of Women and Society, respectively. Non-sports management journals contributed the fewest publications.
Temporal trends indicate heightened research interest in women’s sports, with peaks in 2022 and 2024, suggesting growing academic attention to this field in recent years. Methodologically, 42.35% of studies employed quantitative methods, 30.59% utilized qualitative approaches, and 27.06% adopted mixed methodology designs.
The vast majority of quantitative analyses were conducted using Partial Least Squares (PLS) structural equation modeling (72.06%), with SPSS employed in 16.17% of cases, likely reflecting the quantitative predominance. Data collection predominantly involved the use of questionnaires (57 articles), with checklists appearing infrequently.
Qualitative research methodologies included thematic analysis, grounded theory, and phenomenology as the most prevalent, while the Q methodology was least represented.
Conclusion
Through comprehensive content analysis of 85 articles sourced from reputable scientific journals and databases, this study demonstrates that women’s sports development has gained significant scholarly focus over the past decade within Iranian and regional contexts. The prevailing emphasis on identifying factors and barriers lays a critical foundation for effective intervention design and policy planning.
The prevalent use of advanced quantitative analytical techniques such as structural equation modeling reflects researchers’ commitment to rigorously elucidate complex, multivariate relationships. Complementarily, qualitative methods facilitate in-depth understanding of women’s lived experiences, challenges, and perspectives within the sports domain.
Despite this progress, findings highlight an ongoing need to intensify scholarly attention on the challenges and strategic solutions pertinent to women’s sports development.
Keywords: Women’s Sports Participation, Sports Development, Women’s Sports, Technology and Sports Media
Article Message
This study provides an analytical overview of research trends, challenges, and advances related to women’s sports development. It identifies core strengths, persistent weaknesses, and unmet research needs essential for elevating the quality and inclusivity of women’s sports. The analysis underscores the expanding recognition of women’s sports as a vital area requiring sustained investment and policy support to ensure equitable opportunities and resources.
Ethical Considerations
The authors affirm adherence to all ethical standards relevant to conducting and reporting research.
Authors’ Contributions
Corresponding Author: Dr. Shahram Shafiee – Conceptualization (100%), Data Collection (20%), Data Analysis (40%), Writing – Review (50%) and Editing (40%), Project Administration (70%).
Second Author: Seyedeh Zahra Mirzamani – Data Collection (80%), Data Analysis (60%), Writing – Original Draft (70%), Review (50%) and Editing (60%), Literature Review (100%).
Conflict of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest related to the publication of this manuscript.
Acknowledgments
The authors extend gratitude to all individuals, sports clubs, coaches, federations, and athletes who supported and participated in the research process.

Keywords

Women's sports participation

sports development

women's sports

sports technology and media

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