The social and cultural world as seen in 'Bend it like Beckham.'

Essay by bethanylordHigh School, 11th gradeA+, June 2014

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The movie 'Bend it like Beckham' is set within modern day Britain in 2002, the movie follows the lives of two young women following the same dreams with two completely different cultures, and their own obstacles to overcome. One family is Indian and strongly rooted within its traditions of Sikh and the other is British born with their own strong opinions and morals. Jess, who is growing up in a traditional Indian family, is faced with the endeavour to somehow integrate the cultures of India and Britain comfortably together. Through this journey the movie explores the issue of racism amongst British society. Another aspect explored is the lack of opportunities within the field of football for females, within England today there are 182 women's football teams recognised at an official level. Within the movie, stereotypes for women in sports are exposed and confronted as well as the sexist attitudes toward women seen to be playing 'male' orientated sports, and how they are revered within their respected cultures.

Genders within sports have always been a controversial topic that is still in the process of seeing out equality in its opportunities given to females in the sport of football, India's women's football team is still struggling to gain acknowledgment and recognition for its arising talent.


Family played a key role in the foundation of the movie and was crucial in establishing an image of disagreement in the ideas placed onto children when they are attempting to develop their own moralities in a micro setting. Both families showcased perfectly that no matter your ethnicity or environment anyone can face these dilemmas. From the conventional Indian perspective, playing soccer as a female was seen to have been a disgrace to the family, "she's bringing shame on the family," I don't want the shame...