Conclusion: Research Agendas for Professional Women's Football

Abstract

This chapter draws together some of the key sociological ideas presented in the book on women's football in a global, professional era. It is highlighted that professionalisation processes specific to women's football, as the most popular sport for women globally, include accelerated commercialisation, increased expectations on clubs for sponsorship and marketing, intense resource demand, and extreme competitive pressures. It is hoped the book holds the potential to shape future research agendas, and has aided our understanding of the fragmented and varied nature of professional women's football and why it should be considered in parallel to, but distinct from men's football. Whilst we recognise that the growth and development and increasing professional opportunities for women should celebrated, we also advocate to approach this celebration with caution as inclusion does not mean equality or equity and therefore the fight and struggle must continue.

Citation

Culvin, A. and Bowes, A. (2023), "Conclusion: Research Agendas for Professional Women's Football", Culvin, A. and Bowes, A. (Ed.) Women’s Football in a Global, Professional Era (Emerald Studies in Sport and Gender), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 249-254. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80071-052-820230017