Vi måste göra någonting åt det : En kvalitativ studie av Svenska skolidrottsförbundets jämställdhets- & inkluderingsarbete

This essay came into existence as a result of a collaboration between us, two students in gender studies working on our bachelor thesis, and an employee at Svenska skolidrottsförbundet. The paper explores diversity and gender equality work within this organization, and the main focus is how people holding leading positions within the organization express their view on equality and diversity work. To do this, we have completed interviews with 6 different people in leading positions, as well as participant observation during the association meeting (förbundsmötet), which is the highest decision-making authority within the organization. We have analyzed our data with inspiration from feminist theory, organization theory, as well as some earlier conducted studies from the field of sports, all with a primary focus on gender and diversity questions. The conclusion shows that there is a discrepancy between the self-image some members of the organization express in regard to their equality and diversity work, the work they actually do, and the views they hold in relation to increased equality within the organization. In other words, the actions do not match the description. The reasons behind this are complex, but some possible explanations we found is the reproduction of negative masculinity norms, the homogeneity within the decision-making bodies of the organization, and dissonance in approaches to diversity and equality work between members within the organization. In our opinion, one important element for the organization to regard in future work is to make sure that knowledge concerning gender and diversity is shared with all members involved in their day-to-day activities. Especially since Svenska skolidrottsförbundet is an arena for children and youths to develop, grow and play