Gender and sport – empirical data and theoretical considerations
Gender and sport – empirical data and theoretical considerations

Summary/Abstract: In the context of enhancement discourses and strategies in Western societies, health is conceivedand advertised as a “product” which can be acquired, or at least enhanced, by buying the rightproducts and adopting the right behaviour, among other things by being physically active.In spite of the well-documented benefits of recreational physical activities and the constant flow ofadvice on health matters, a considerable percentage of the populations in Western countries doesnot participate in sport (defined in a broad sense). Sports participation, i.e. number of participantsas well as the duration, intensity and type of activity, differs to a considerable extent in the variousregions and countries of the world, and also in Europe.In this article I will share information about the prevalence of recreational physical activities inEurope with a focus on gender and youth. The available information reveals large gender differences.As a rule, girls are less physically active than boys. In the second part of the article,I will discuss theoretical approaches, e.g. to gender and socialisation, which offer insights into andan understanding of gendered sporting habits, tastes and practices.

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