Author(s): Jayabharathi A

Abstract:
There is an international consensus that participation in physical activities can offer a great deal to individuals, communities and nations. Evidence suggests that from an early age, differences in gender-based attitudes towards and opportunities for sports and physical activities can have a significant influence on children’s participation. This may, in turn, affect later involvement in physically active lifestyles, and the social and health benefits that may result for them. Age is the dominant biological determinant of physical activity in girls. Overall, levels of activity steadily decline from about 6 years of age until adolescence, when activity levels drop more steeply. Whether this decline ought to be understood solely in terms of biological influences is dubious, and it is, perhaps, noteworthy that the decline in sporting or physical activities among girls around 11 or 12 years occurs almost simultaneously with the period when gender ideology sharply interacts with socialisation influences. Historically, physical assertion was considered as being harmful to girls’ overall development and the social understanding of ‘motherhood’ dictated that girls were seen as passive carers rather than as active providers. Evidence tends to suggest that many of these values are still supported and it is the early experiences of girls which often provide the foundation for future participation. Women’s participation in sport has a long history. It is a history marked by division and discrimination but also one filled with major accomplishments by female athletes and important advances for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. In addition to benefits for women and girls themselves, women’s increased involvement can promote positive development in sport by providing alternative norms, values, attitudes, knowledge, capabilities and experiences.

Pages: 444-446  |  1039 Views  105 Downloads