Why your World Cup experience doesn’t help you much: Understanding the roots of inequalities in women's elite football through Bourdieu's theory on field

Abstract

This study analyzes gender inequality in Korea's women's elite football through Bourdieu's concept of field, examining how overt and covert structural forces shape players’ experiences and limit their achievements. Engaging with Bourdieu's notions of field and its constitutive elements, we investigate the sociocultural dynamics and power relations that define women's positions within the elite sport system. Using longitudinal, qualitative interviews with current and former women's national team players (n = 8), we explore how increased heteronomy, discrepancies between symbolic and social structures, and limited mobility impact players’ career choices and access to opportunities. Findings reveal that women's football is increasingly shaped by norms rooted in men's football, which overshadow women's accomplishments and limit both the tangible and intangible rewards of their achievements in elite football (e.g. World Cup experience). Furthermore, the study identifies significant barriers to transitioning into related fields, such as coaching and media, which perpetuate gender-based inequalities. This research highlights the need for a critical reassessment of structural factors within women's football and advocates for targeted policy changes to foster a more equitable environment.