2026 Undergraduate Research Showcase

Disparities Between Men and Women in Esports

Document Type

Student Presentation

Presentation Date

4-24-2026

Faculty Sponsor

Dr. Kelly Arispe

Abstract

Competitive video games otherwise known as Esports is a rapidly growing industry. Although this industry is growing at such a fast pace, there is a demographic that is being left behind: women. Video games have always been a male-dominated space, but why? Through real-life stories, interviews, and research we have found that there is no biological difference between women and men when it comes to their ability to play video games, so this disparity is due to cultural and social ideals. We see that this culture is rooted in three main points: masculinity in esports, online harassment, and negotiating gendered expectations. This toxic culture is deeply rooted in the foundation of esports as video games have been a male-dominated space since its beginning. As this industry, along with our social understanding of gender roles, grows, we need to consider how we can encourage women to break into these fields. Women should have a space within esports and if we start to break down these traditional ideas of gender norms in competitive spaces, women will have a strong foundation in this ever-growing industry.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS