Analysis of masculinities in the rhythmic gymnastics’ modalityVision and follow-up of gymnasts

  1. Gallardo, D.
  2. Piedra, J.
Journal:
Education, Sport, Health and Physical Activity (ESHPA): International Journal

ISSN: 2603-6789

Year of publication: 2021

Volume: 5

Issue: 2

Pages: 90-106

Type: Article

DOI: 10.5281/ZENODO.4229127 DIALNET GOOGLE SCHOLAR lock_openDIGIBUG editor

More publications in: Education, Sport, Health and Physical Activity (ESHPA): International Journal

Abstract

Introduction: The configuration of the current sport and our society means that not only women are affected by sexist ideologies, but also men are under the influence of stereotypes, roles and taboos that are highly established in our patriarchal culture. Aim: The main objective of this research is to know and analyze the experiences of boys who practice Rhythmic Gymnastics, either competitively or recreationally, and of their closest relatives. As secondary objectives, an effort will be made to follow up the situation of these boys to contrast the previous data and make a proposal for improvement for the situation of this group. Methods: The selection of the participants was carried out according to the inclusion/ exclusion criteria that were: 1) Boys who practice, either at a competitive or recreational level, the Rhythmic Gymnastics modality, and 2) belonging to the Autonomous Community of Andalusia. Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data, three with gymnasts and six with relatives. For data treatment, the content analysis technique was used. The interviews were recorded and transcribed with the consent of the participants. Results & discussion: Gymnasts are greatly influenced by their closest social environment to start practicing and develop an adherence to this sport. They also indicate in their responses that at the beginning they felt strange and observed. And although for most gymnasts, girls and boys have different styles, both genres are worthy of performing Rhythmic Gymnastics alike. On the other hand, close relatives (fathers and mothers) are not surprised when their children tell them that they want to practice this modality, and they don’t usually present any problems, although parents and siblings tend to show greater rejection. Also, most fathers and some mothers think that Rhythmic Gymnastics is a markedly feminine sport, which society associates with a homosexual orientation. The situation of this group is very improvable, and although its evolution is very slow, both gymnasts and relatives predict an improvement in the situation Conclusions: The support of parents as a nuclear factor and the social environment close to the boys are key to practice Rhythmic Gymnastics, a sport traditionally considered feminine. This belief on the part of society fuels the false association between practicing this modality and being homosexual. These boys present difficulties in counting episodes of verbal aggression, especially by their school environment. Therefore, the situation of these boys is quite improvable, and although there is a favorable vision, the implementation of measures is needed to make this evolution faster and more effective.

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