Motherhood and Sport: Collective Stories of Identity and Difference

Motherhood does not signal the end of sport engagement and athletic identities for women, as demonstrated by female athletes from recreational to competitive to elite levels. This book explores the nexus of women, sport, and culture within the context of motherhood, uncovering new narratives that raise the profile of non-conformist performances. It brings together international researchers using qualitative methods to show how sport affords or constrains womens agency to devise, negotiate, and live alternative versions of motherhood in and through sport, presenting stories of sporting mothers in various contexts.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 05 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Despite the common belief that sport participation tends to decline among women after becoming mothers, there is a remarkable testament to the resilience and determination of female athletes across various recreational, competitive, and elite levels. These exceptional women have proven that motherhood does not mark the end of their sport engagement, athletic identities, career aspirations, or leadership roles. In fact, this book serves as a groundbreaking exploration of the intricate interplay between women, sport, and culture within the context of motherhood, unveiling fresh narratives that elevate the visibility of non-conformist performances.

Drawing upon the expertise of international researchers employing innovative and rigorous qualitative methodologies, the book delves into the profound ways in which sport either empowers or restricts women's agency to craft, negotiate, and embody alternative embodiments of motherhood within the realm of sport. Through captivating stories of sporting mothers in diverse contexts such as martial arts, leisure swimming, recreational running, triathlon, and climbing, the book uncovers the evolving meanings and practices of motherhood across social, cultural, and media/digital landscapes.

This book is a captivating read for anyone with a deep interest in the socio-cultural study of sport, gender, and sport, women's studies, sport coaching, sport leadership, sport development, or qualitative and digital research methods. It purposefully challenges prevailing notions about motherhood and sport, offering a thought-provoking and enriching perspective that expands our understanding of the multifaceted relationships between these three domains.

Weight: 580g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367691820