A case study analysis of girls' physical activity in one educational setting

grantor: University of TorontoA feminist, qualitative methodology was utilized in this study of girls age 11 and 12 in one educational setting. A combination of semi-structured interviews and participant observations provided a detailed picture of the girls' physical activity experiences. Data analysis indicated that the educational setting is an institution that reinforces patterns of male dominance through the "hidden curriculum". Girls in all three settings of this study, the playground, academic classroom, and physical education class, were prevented from achieving their full physical, intellectual, and emotional development as a result of both direct and indirect stereotypes and sexist ideologies. Children who did not conform to the dominant values of aggression, power, and strength challenged these values and discovered ways of negotiating their preferred mode of playing and competing.M.Sc