Final answer:
The provided materials do not confirm or deny Wedgewood's (2004) findings on the impact of Australian rules football on female confidence, but they do discuss the influence of cultural gender roles on sports participation in various regions and its possible implications on the wage gap.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement you've asked about, regarding Wedgewood's (2004) findings on female participation in sport, specifically Australian rules football, and their boost in overall confidence, cannot be confirmed as factual or false with the provided materials. The information revolves around the participation of girls in sports across different regions, such as the Deep South of the United States and the state of Minnesota, and the societal and cultural influences that affect this.
The emphasis is on how gender roles and societal expectations in regions like the Deep South result in fewer girls participating in sports, as activities like beauty pageants are more culturally encouraged. It is highlighted that such participation, or lack thereof, can have long-term effects on opportunities and job areas women can aspire to, potentially impacting the wage gap between men and women.
Data from the National Federation of State High School Associations indicates a stark variation in sports participation rates between genders in different states, with the Lowland South showing a lower percentage of female participation when compared to states like Minnesota. In regions with less rigid gender roles, the participation rates of girls in sports are nearly equal to those of boys. Furthermore, Australian rules football, a popular sport in Australia and part of the culture, does have documented rules dating back to 1858. However, no specific data from Wedgewood's study has been cited in the materials provided to verify the claim about the sport and its influence on women's confidence.