Exploring Socio-Cultural Constraints on Sport Experiences: A Study of Iranian Second-Generation Women
Oral Presentation
Paper ID : 1691-SSRC
Authors
1عضو هیات علمی دانشگاه تبریز
2Department of Sport Management Faculty of Physical Education & Sport Sciences,University of Tabriz , Tabriz, IRAN
Abstract
This research article delves into the sport experiences of Iranian women, treating sports as a significant facet of active leisure. Building on established leisure constraint models, our study focuses on the potential impact of constraints on current leisure participants. To explore this, we conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with nine second-generation Iranian women actively engaged in sports during the data collection period. The primary objective was to investigate the existence of sociocultural constraints on sport participation, with a specific emphasis on gender norms and their potential to restrict full access and enjoyment of sport spaces for this demographic.
A reflexive thematic analysis was employed to systematically identify and derive salient themes from the qualitative interview data. This process resulted in three key findings that form the basis for the study's contributions. Firstly, we explore various gender-based constraints primarily stemming from family and broader Iranian culture. The analysis sheds light on the intricate and nuanced ways in which societal expectations regarding gender norms and women's roles affect participants' experiences with and participation in sports. Quotes and examples illustrate the pervasiveness of cultural attitudes and how women negotiate these constraints.
Subsequently, we outline resource-based constraints, examining the gendered perspective of time and financial limitations as significant barriers to sustained and satisfying involvement of Iranian women in sports. The data reveals the gendered nature of domestic and caregiver duties that restrict women's leisure time, as well as financial dependence that limits access.
Lastly, we discuss discriminatory behaviors and stereotyping from others, including family, peers and strangers. Participant accounts clearly illustrate the intersectionality of gender and ethnicity and its substantial impact on Iranian women's sporting experiences. Microaggressions, negative judgment and discouragement emerge as themes.
Overall, the study provides empirical evidence of how socio-cultural factors and gender norms continue to pose constraints for Iranian women participating in sports, even as second-generation immigrants with more progressive attitudes. The findings have important implications for leisure providers, policy makers and families in terms of increasing inclusion and opportunities for this segment.
A reflexive thematic analysis was employed to systematically identify and derive salient themes from the qualitative interview data. This process resulted in three key findings that form the basis for the study's contributions. Firstly, we explore various gender-based constraints primarily stemming from family and broader Iranian culture. The analysis sheds light on the intricate and nuanced ways in which societal expectations regarding gender norms and women's roles affect participants' experiences with and participation in sports. Quotes and examples illustrate the pervasiveness of cultural attitudes and how women negotiate these constraints.
Subsequently, we outline resource-based constraints, examining the gendered perspective of time and financial limitations as significant barriers to sustained and satisfying involvement of Iranian women in sports. The data reveals the gendered nature of domestic and caregiver duties that restrict women's leisure time, as well as financial dependence that limits access.
Lastly, we discuss discriminatory behaviors and stereotyping from others, including family, peers and strangers. Participant accounts clearly illustrate the intersectionality of gender and ethnicity and its substantial impact on Iranian women's sporting experiences. Microaggressions, negative judgment and discouragement emerge as themes.
Overall, the study provides empirical evidence of how socio-cultural factors and gender norms continue to pose constraints for Iranian women participating in sports, even as second-generation immigrants with more progressive attitudes. The findings have important implications for leisure providers, policy makers and families in terms of increasing inclusion and opportunities for this segment.
Keywords