The teacher and the body in physical education : A qualitative study about pupils’ expectations on teachers in physical education, regarding body shape and physical proficiency

In this study, emphasis was situated around pupils’ expectations regarding body shape and physical proficiency among teachers within the subject of physical education. Additionally, possible outcomes of failure to uphold such demands were put in relation to aspects of legitimacy. To enable such study a qualitative study including semi-structured interviews was conducted and carried through, involving six pupils in the third grade of upper secondary education. The pupils were mainly selected through a convenience sample with. The applied theory did in the current case derive from the theoretical concepts of discourse, stigma and legitimacy. These concepts were then intertwined through the creation of a theoretical model, which was applied when analyzing the received material. The results showed that the pupils had – with a few exceptions – expectations on teachers in physical education to withhold a body shape that represents the subject. This meant that a fit body shape was preferred over an overweight body shape. Also, statements concluded that a teacher in physical education should be able to uphold a certain level of physical proficiency, to demonstrate in front of the pupils. Lastly, if a teacher in physical education fails to comply with the demands, the results showed a negative effect concerning aspects of legitimacy