| Within the context of Title IX and the two primary bodies of gender equality legal theory and doctrine--formal and substantive equality--the primary purpose of this study was to determine how perceptions, interpretations, and definitions of gender equity in intercollegiate athletics vary or coincide among a selected group of individuals from each institution within a major Division I-A conference.; Fifteen individuals from each institution in the conference comprised the subject population. Descriptive statistics, frequency data, and step-wise multiple regression analysis were used to ascertain differences by gender, position, seniority, campus affiliation, athletic department status, sport coached, and institution in participants' perceptions, interpretations, and definitions of Title IX and gender equity in intercollegiate athletics. The survey instrument--administered in an interview format--was divided into four categories: Title IX compliance factors, the role and status of intercollegiate athletics, and formal and substantive equality theories and principles.; The findings of this investigation confirm the existence of considerable variation in the interpretations, definitions, and perceptions of Title IX and gender equity in intercollegiate athletics. Gender, position, and institution were the independent variables most often associated with the variance. Overall, substantive equality-based theories and principles were preferred by the population. However, formal equality-based theories and principles attracted allegiance by female participants--among them, the concept of proportionality, one of three Title IX compliance measures developed by the Office of Civil Rights.; To attain legislative compliance with Title IX and to achieve gender equitable intercollegiate athletic programs, campus officials must work together, and ideally embrace similar understandings, values, and perceptions of the law, its mandate, and its intentions. Based on the findings of this study, it was also concluded that attainment of these ends is confounded by the absence of clear and consistent guidance from existing legislation, administrative rules, and the case law relative to attaining gender equity in intercollegiate athletics. |
