Understanding Gender and Sex: The Case of Caster Semenya

This assignment delves into the concept of gender and its distinction from sex, using the case of Caster Semenya as a prime example. The study examines how gender intersects with athleticism, highlighting the controversy surrounding Semenya's participation in women's events after setting a remarkable time in the 800-meter race. Through this analysis, readers gain insight into the complexities of gender and its implications for sports and society.

Task 4: What is Gender

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
MAIN BODY ..................................................................................................................................1
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................1
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................2

INTRODUCTION
The study is based on Gender which is state of being male or female and its distinction is
based on different concepts that is sex, gender, feminine and masculine
MAIN BODY
Gender is range of characteristics which helps in differentiating between females and
males. In accordance with controversy of Semenya the decision on her sexual dimension is
made when she blew away 800 meter race in Berlin where gender test took place and team
manager of south Africa stated that there was no cheating on part of Semenya and she entered as
woman and she will be working in that way (Controversial Semenya wins women's 800 metres,
2009). The gender test of Semenya will be set as precedent with the help of which no female
athlete will be liable to experience delay in series for making determination.
Gender intersect occurs after the race where she won 800 meter race in 1 minute 55.45
seconds (Caster Semenya is Woman Enough for the IAAF, After All, 2010). It was important for
the people to decide if she was female or male because she managed to cut 8 secs in her time of
running within 9 months which is remarkable in history of females athletes (Segrave, 2018). In
accordance with reading I analysed that Caster is female athlete but was questioned become of
increasing competitiveness because of which IAAF athletic world’s governing body set her
controversy and judgement as precedent.
CONCLUSION
The assessment summarized about Caster Semenya who was questioned for gender as she
managed to won 800 meter race with remarkable time.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Segrave, J.O., 2018. CHALLENGING THE GENDER BINARY IN SPORT: THE SPECIAL
CASES OF CASTER SEMENYA AND DUTEE CHAND. Педагогико-
психологические и медико-биологические проблемы физической культуры и
спорта. 13(1 (eng)).
Online
Controversial Semenya wins women's 800 metres. 2009. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.cbc.ca/sports/controversial-semenya-wins-women-s-800-metres-
1.779512>.
Caster Semenya is Woman Enough for the IAAF, After All. 2010. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.colorlines.com/articles/caster-semenya-woman-enough-iaaf-after-all>.
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