Rola kontekstu społeczno-kulturowego w konstrukcji kobiecości zawodniczek uprawiających sport wyczynowy
The Role of the Socio-Cultural Context in Constructing the Femininity of Female Athletes

Summary/Abstract: The existing literature indicates that engagement in elite sport situates female athletes in a paradoxical relationship related to reproducing and constructing their own femininity, especially in disciplines associated with masculinity. The present study also includes disciplines stereotypically considered “feminine disciplines” as well as those that are not explicitly associated either with femininity or masculinity. Referring to the theory of Mimi Schippers (2007), the aim of the study was the analysis of the influence of the social environment on the construction of femininity among athletes practising “masculine disciplines,” “feminine disciplines,” and “gender-neutral” disciplines. The qualitative method of individ- ual, partially-structured in-depth interviews (N = 18) was applied. The results indicate that the social environment significantly shapes the patterns of femininity. The respondents practising “feminine disciplines” experienced implementation into the model of hegemonic femininity, mainly by coaches. In the case of “masculine disciplines,” the respondents indicated a low level of perceived attractiveness and a sense of inconsistency with the traditional frameworks of femininity, as well as the awareness that their presence may threaten male hegemony. “Gender-neutral” disciplines did not reveal clear differences in the perception of femininity. The study emphasises the diverse boundaries of the perception of femininity and the importance of educating all actors involved in elite sport.

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