Sporty Girls: Gender, Health and Achievement in a Postfeminist Era

This book explores why many girls stop doing sport and physical activity in their teenage years, suggesting that it should be viewed as part of their ongoing constructions of 'successful girlhood' within a competitive schooling system and broader socioeconomic context.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 193 pages
Publication date: 03 March 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

The book delves into the intriguing phenomenon of why many girls disengage from sports and physical activities during their teenage years, despite initially enjoying them in their childhood. Extensive research has revealed that despite their initial enthusiasm, many girls eventually drop out of sports, only to re-engage in them as adults. Within these chapters, author Sheryl Clark explores the various factors that contribute to this disengagement, including the influence of male peers, the reasons why some girls persist in participating, and the profound ways in which girls interpret and understand their involvement in sports.

Clark suggests that the participation of girls in sports should be viewed as an integral part of their ongoing efforts to construct a successful and fulfilling identity within a competitive schooling system and broader socioeconomic context. She argues that by engaging in sports, girls not only develop physical fitness and skills but also learn valuable life lessons such as teamwork, discipline, and resilience. Moreover, sports can provide a platform for girls to express themselves, build confidence, and foster a sense of belonging and identity.

The book also sheds light on the societal and cultural factors that perpetuate gender stereotypes and barriers to girls' participation in sports. Clark highlights the need for change at all levels, from individuals to institutions, to promote and support girls' sports participation. She calls for increased awareness, funding, and resources to provide girls with equal opportunities to develop their athletic potential and pursue their sports interests.

In conclusion, the book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the complex issue of girls' disengagement from sports and physical activities during their teenage years. By providing a deeper understanding of the factors that influence this phenomenon, Clark offers valuable insights and recommendations for promoting and supporting girls' sports participation. This book is a must-read for educators, policymakers, coaches, and anyone who is committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable sports environment for girls.

The book delves into the intriguing phenomenon of why many girls disengage from sports and physical activities during their teenage years, despite initially enjoying them in their childhood. Extensive research has revealed that despite their initial enthusiasm, many girls eventually drop out of sports, only to re-engage in them as adults. Within these chapters, author Sheryl Clark explores the various factors that contribute to this disengagement, including the influence of male peers, the reasons why some girls persist in participating, and the profound ways in which girls interpret and understand their involvement in sports.

Clark suggests that the participation of girls in sports should be viewed as an integral part of their ongoing efforts to construct a successful and fulfilling identity within a competitive schooling system and broader socioeconomic context. She argues that by engaging in sports, girls not only develop physical fitness and skills but also learn valuable life lessons such as teamwork, discipline, and resilience. Moreover, sports can provide a platform for girls to express themselves, build confidence, and foster a sense of belonging and identity.

The book also sheds light on the societal and cultural factors that perpetuate gender stereotypes and barriers to girls' participation in sports. Clark highlights the need for change at all levels, from individuals to institutions, to promote and support girls' sports participation. She calls for increased awareness, funding, and resources to provide girls with equal opportunities to develop their athletic potential and pursue their sports interests.

In conclusion, the book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the complex issue of girls' disengagement from sports and physical activities during their teenage years. By providing a deeper understanding of the factors that influence this phenomenon, Clark offers valuable insights and recommendations for promoting and supporting girls' sports participation. This book is a must-read for educators, policymakers, coaches, and anyone who is committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable sports environment for girls.

Weight: 269g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030672515
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021