From the individual to the national and global levels, certain tasks and activities legitimize gender and define the identities of men and women. Traditionally, the culturally specific behaviors of men constitute masculinity while those of women constitute femininity (Connell, Masculinities 68-69). In many cultures, masculinity and femininity exist in a hierarchy, where masculinity is superior to femininity. The terms can be further stratified, as some forms of masculinity and femininity are preferable to others (Moss 2). Sociologists often view the most lauded masculinity in a particular culture as hegemonic or dominant, and this image of masculinity becomes the ideal for men in that society (Moss 2). Although the concept of masculinity is constantly evolving, one activity that is often intertwined with the hegemonic form is the practice of sports (Brandt and Carsens 233). Similar to the evolution of masculinity, athletic events have changed greatly over the years. Originally, only males participated in sports, but today a diverse group of individuals can take part in a variety of sports, from local to professional levels. However, despite women's increasing involvement in sports, sports media perpetuates a hegemonic masculinity by selectively covering men's sports and emphasizing the bodily performance and sexuality of male athletes.II. Theory and context A working definition of masculinity is crucial to understanding hegemonic masculinity in sport. Many people, especially those associated with science, consider masculinity to be simply the product of men's natural action (Moss 3). They propose that both masculinity and femininity arise from sexual differences. So biology can explain behavior… in the center of the card… is a muscular physique, which is closely linked to his physical abilities. To win athletic events, you need to have a body capable of doing so. The ideal body image often portrayed in the media is one with broad shoulders, a prominent chest, and large, defined arms and moving from the chest to the waist, the body forms a “V” shape (Denham and Duke 111). These “images of masculine perfection are reinforced when male athletes use their bodies to hit, dunk, tackle, and run, receiving millions of dollars, media attention, and fan adoration for their efforts” (Denham and Duke 111) . The images and body types depicted in the media therefore permeate society, creating a form of masculinity that stands out from the rest. The emphasis and portrayal of athletes with a specific body type subordinates both men and women who do not possess that physique..