Gaming Industry
Hardships, Stereotypes & Factors That Can Enhance Female Presence and Security
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47611/jsrhs.v13i2.6685Keywords:
women, video games, Gamergate, Dickwolves, harassment, objectification, discrimination, gender gap, Esports, gaming industry, hypermasculinity, toxic masculinity, stereotype, stereotypical threats, societyAbstract
The Esports sector is a significant phenomenon that has proliferated worldwide, resulting in the rise of professional players to celebrity status and accelerating technical improvements. Nevertheless, even with this growth, gender-based challenges that prevent women from participating at all levels mean that gender underrepresentation is still a problem. This circumstance not only upholds unfairness but also hinders the community's potential to grow in all directions. Understanding the many challenges faced by women in this field reveals systemic discrimination and limited opportunities, which manifest as exclusionary practices and demeaning exchanges. Despite these statistical disparities, the issue is not limited to statistics; it also involves objectification, sexualization, and stereotyping. It is crucial to address these deeply rooted stereotypes and structural flaws to establish an Esports community that is more equitable and inclusive, enabling everyone, regardless of gender, to develop their strengths and contributions to their full potential.
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