Final answer:
Prior to Title IX, girls' physical activities were constrained by societal notions of femininity, discouraging competitive sports and favoring noncompetitive 'play days'. Regional traditions, especially in the Southern U.S., further steered girls towards activities like beauty pageants over sports. The impact of these historical practices is still visible in varying rates of girls' sports participation and career opportunities across different regions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before the enactment of Title IX, physical activities for girls were limited and highly influenced by societal beliefs about gender roles. During the 1920s, colleges discouraged women from engaging in competitive sports, arguing that such activities were unfeminine and harmful to reproductive health. Instead, 'play days' were introduced where girls could participate in noncompetitive games without representing their institutions, avoiding the 'unfeminine' spirit of aggressive competition.
In regions such as the Lowland South, traditional gender roles played a significant part in determining activities for girls, with beauty pageants often being considered more appropriate than sports participation. Meanwhile, data reveals that the participation of girls in high school sports varies significantly across the United States, often reflecting regional attitudes towards gender roles. Girls living in areas where they are encouraged to participate in sports and non-traditional activities also tend to find more opportunities in their careers as adults, contrasting historical limitations.