Abstract:Die Olympische Bewegung wirkt als wichtige Kraft für die Gleichstellung der Geschlechter im und durch den Sport. In der Gegenwart ist die Zielstellung von Geschlechtergerechtigkeit in den Grundsatzdokumenten verankert und die Olympischen Spiele werden mit diesem Anspruch organisiert. Bis zur nun erreichten gleichberechtigten Teilnahme von Sportlerinnen waren seit den Anfängen der Olympischen Spiele der Neuzeit erhebliche Widerstände zu überwinden. Schrittweise wurde die Zahl der Sportarten, Disziplinen und Wet… Show more
Background
Within the topic of intersex athletes in elite sports, science has become a decisive factor in decision- and policy-making. However, in the academic literature approaches to this topic vary. An overview of these approaches is proposed to provide better insight into relevant aspects and underlying values and may serve as a starting point on the path toward a solid solution of the question of categorization of intersex athletes in elite sporting competition.
Objective
This systematic review aims to discover how the topic of intersex elite athletes is positioned in the academic literature from January 2000 to July 2022 from a neutral perspective.
Methods
A comprehensive search in eleven databases using the search terms [intersex* and sport*] yielded 87 articles. A qualitative content analysis was conducted to find all authors’ statements including perspectives on intersex athletes and proposals for solutions. Underlying values were extracted and connected to each other during axial coding.
Results
The results provide an overview of the sometimes-contradictory perspectives toward intersex elite athletes and proposals for solutions. Three core values were distilled: social justice for intersex elite athletes, competition fairness, and evidence-based practice. The authors’ statements disclose an interaction/conflict between social justice and competition fairness.
Conclusions
The results raise an important discussion on the role of science within the topic of intersex elite athletes. A multidisciplinary approach including scientists and other experts is suggested to find an appropriate solution. Additionally, more awareness on intersex variations is needed for a better overall understanding and to ensure a respectful approach for everyone involved.
Background
Within the topic of intersex athletes in elite sports, science has become a decisive factor in decision- and policy-making. However, in the academic literature approaches to this topic vary. An overview of these approaches is proposed to provide better insight into relevant aspects and underlying values and may serve as a starting point on the path toward a solid solution of the question of categorization of intersex athletes in elite sporting competition.
Objective
This systematic review aims to discover how the topic of intersex elite athletes is positioned in the academic literature from January 2000 to July 2022 from a neutral perspective.
Methods
A comprehensive search in eleven databases using the search terms [intersex* and sport*] yielded 87 articles. A qualitative content analysis was conducted to find all authors’ statements including perspectives on intersex athletes and proposals for solutions. Underlying values were extracted and connected to each other during axial coding.
Results
The results provide an overview of the sometimes-contradictory perspectives toward intersex elite athletes and proposals for solutions. Three core values were distilled: social justice for intersex elite athletes, competition fairness, and evidence-based practice. The authors’ statements disclose an interaction/conflict between social justice and competition fairness.
Conclusions
The results raise an important discussion on the role of science within the topic of intersex elite athletes. A multidisciplinary approach including scientists and other experts is suggested to find an appropriate solution. Additionally, more awareness on intersex variations is needed for a better overall understanding and to ensure a respectful approach for everyone involved.
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