Ijshockeyers before 1902

This black and white photograph of ice hockey players is an illustration in a book about photography. While the date of its creation is unknown, we can contextualize the piece by thinking about the history of sports and the social dynamics within them. Consider how sports have historically been gendered, with ice hockey traditionally dominated by men. Where are the women in this scene? How does this absence reflect broader societal norms about who gets to participate in sports? This image reflects the cultural perception of sports as a masculine domain and might perpetuate those ideas. Furthermore, the image prompts questions about class and access. Who had the means to participate in sports like ice hockey, and who was excluded? It invites us to consider the ways in which sports can reflect and reinforce social hierarchies. While seemingly just a picture of people playing a game, the artwork becomes a reflection on issues of power and representation.