Misogyny and cultural impoverishment: the educational effects of symbolic violence against women in sports media

Abstract

The media not only inform but also educate, shaping social imaginaries that influence the construction of identities, aspirations, and role models, especially during childhood and adolescence. However, despite the increasing participation of women in sports at all levels, female athletes remain underrepresented in the print media. This article analyses the representation of women’s sport in two Spanish sport newspaper (Marca and Diario AS) during the first quarter of 2025, aiming to identify forms of exclusion and symbolic violence in media portrayals of female athletes. Using a mixed-methods approach, 60 front pages and 415 headlines were analysed. Women’s sport appeared in only 37% of the material reviewed, and headlines specifically referring to female athletes accounted for just 7%. Beyond their limited visibility, both textual and visual narratives reinforce gender stereotypes and forms of symbolic violence. The study highlights the need to incorporate media literacy with a feminist perspective into teacher education at all levels and school Physical Education in order to foster critical awareness of these discourses and promote a more equitable sports culture.