I am reveling in South American culture. More specifically, in overwhelming passion; the mythical creature fashioned by North American media regarding a hooligan’s desire for the beautiful game is now my reality. It is unparalleled alongside meek Canadian soccer, or ‘futebol’. Communal adulation fuels every street, casa, coffee shop, and pub with undeniably even more devotion due to the upcoming Copa do Mundo (World Cup), as it is hosted here in Curitiba, Brazil.

When you think of the Copa do Mundo and futebol in general, what first comes to mind? The sheer grandness of the event? Enthusiastic supporters endlessly declaring their love for their country, until somehow the referee cheated them from potential triumph? Which players appear in your mind?

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In any of the above questions did you think of the female side of futebol?

In the midst with Brazil’s mutual adoration of futebol, I exemplify a clear and decisive minority. The female role continues to be traditionally defined in this nation, where being a female futebol supporter, particularly a player, is as uncommon as snow. Sport is unquestionably a male institution, thus playing and perhaps becoming successful would be considered a revolutionary idea in the almost exclusively male dominated sport. (To be clear, I am by no means claiming the non-existence of female Brazilian futebol supporters and players, rather I am trying to emphasize the minority stake females hold in this futebol nation.)

Now the question is, why? Why are the parks filled entirely with young boys playing pickup soccer, and not young girls? What makes girls and women elude the sport that carries incredible amounts of importance and passion with the opposite sex?

This could potentially arise from a fear of stigmatization that co-exists alongside females and achieving success in sport; ultimately being labeled unfeminine. When you think of a Brazilian girl, what first comes to mind? Perhaps Marta, but more likely something to the effect of a brunette beach beauty. Blinde and Taub (1992) explain that as the “behaviour of woman athletes is often interpreted to violate gender norms, women athletes are frequently devalued and stigmatized.” In fact, “women engaging in non-traditional gender behaviours capable of enhancing opportunities and self-actualization are subjected to various forms of social stigmatization and control” (Blinde & Taub, 1992). As women venture into this male-formed institution participation in futebol may lead to struggles with both ridicule and exclusion; indeed assisting in subordination and restriction of female’s roles and potentials. An inferiority complex emerges in terms of hierarchy, funding, following, and opportunities available. The beach beauty exemplifying the feminine standard overpowers many decisions to stray from the norm in fear of potential culturally induced tensions.

As the Copa do Mundo commences I urge you to take note on the portrayal of feminine characteristics, and to create your own standard of what it truly means to be a futebol supporter. Take in every moment from the Copa, but have a healthy skepticism about prescribed notions the media renders as conventional ‘norms’.

Blinde, E. M., and Taub, D. E. (1992). Women athletes as falsely accused deviants: Managing the Lesbian Stigma. The Sociological Quarterly, (33):4, 521-533.