“We Are Doing a Job”: The 1971 Mexican Women’s Soccer Players and the Fight for Professionalism
A summary of the research:
The article discusses the struggle of Mexican women's soccer players for professional recognition during the 1971 World Cup held in Mexico. At this time, women playing soccer challenged existing social beliefs that confined women to the home and limited their participation in sports deemed only for men. The 1971 Mexican team performed very well, reaching the final, and the tournament itself attracted large crowds, showing the economic potential of women's soccer. Despite generating significant income for organizers and companies through ticket sales and advertising, the players themselves received little to no financial compensation for their efforts, time, and sacrifices.
Days before the final match, the Mexican players demanded payment for their performance, arguing that they were performing a job, especially given the profits being made. This demand was influenced by the growing second-wave feminist movement, which advocated for women's rights beyond just politics, including social and professional development, and questioned their subordination. It was also connected to the broader context of rising union organization in Mexico at the time, with male soccer players also seeking to defend their labor rights and supporting the women's demands. However, under significant pressure and threats from organizers and government officials, the players ultimately renounced their demand and played the final.
Based on the article's findings, here are three key takeaways for coaches and administrators in women's soccer:
Recognize and Value Players' Labor: The 1971 players' demand highlighted that their participation was a job that generated significant revenue for others. Administrators should actively advocate for fair wages and compensation structures that reflect the players' critical role in creating the "sports spectacle" and earning potential of the game, rather than seeing them as amateurs or simply providing them exposure or gifts. This is crucial because, even today, there is a vast wage gap between male and female players.
Provide Robust Support Against Pressure and Exploitation: The young 1971 players faced intense pressure, harassment, and threats when they demanded fair treatment. Coaches and administrators must create safe environments and support systems for players, particularly younger ones, protecting them from exploitation by organizers or sponsors and empowering them to voice concerns about working conditions without fear of reprisal.
Support Players' Professional and Personal Development: Influenced by the second-wave feminist movement, some players in 1971 prioritized professional goals over traditional expectations of domesticity, seeking to dedicate themselves fully to soccer and earn a living from it, just like men. Administrators and coaches should encourage and support players' aspirations for long-term careers in soccer or related fields, challenging outdated gender roles and investing in their development not just as athletes but as professionals deserving of contracts and stability.
Author: Giovanni Alejandro Perez Uriarte
You can read the entire article here (in Spanish).
