Inequalities in female combat sports

Sport is a sociocultural phenomenon with capacity to mobilize a huge mass of people. It has been considered traditionally as a male leisure activity in which female participation was disapproved. In combat sports the situation is more complicated because of the gender stereotypes. The incursion of women is still hard and induces non-acceptance and exclusion situations and differences in opportunities. This study aims to investigate inequalities of sportswomen, especially in combat modalities. An analysis of the historic evolution of woman in sport and her progressive incorporation has been developed, through a qualitative methodology; se used a bibliographic review and the discourse analysis have been performed. Continuous prohibitions and barriers that they have overcome have been highlighted, as well as inequalities and established stereotypes for women among combat sport modalities. We observed some behaviours and opinions from different authors and their discourses. After having reflecting about their meanings we conclude that sports women have always existed and have achieved successes, also in combat modalities. Furthermore, their presence increases each year, as statistics show.