Generational analysis of leisure time physical activity participation of women in Turkey

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to analyse the adolescent-period leisure time physical activity (LTPA) experiences of three generations of women within the framework of the socio-ecological model and feminist cultural studies. For this purpose, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 144 women from three generations (48 girls, 48 mothers of the girls, and 48 grandmothers of the girls) and subjected the data to thematic analysis using a constant comparison method. Four themes were organized to assess similarities and differences across three generations drawing on the socio-ecological model: 1) Changing the meaning of sports, LTPA and being active; 2) Social resources for participating in LTPA: From authoritarian to supportive parenting; 3) Doorsteps, streets and the four-walls; and finally: 4) Changing educational policy. The findings revealed that, in parallel with the multifaceted historical changes in Turkey, the individual, social, physical environment and political factors of socio-ecological model determine the women’s LTPA participation differed throughout the generations. Results also showed that gendered relations continue to influence LTPA participation of women across the generations.

KEYWORDS:

• Women
• generation
• gender
• leisure time physical activity
• socio-ecological model

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the Koç University Gender Studies Center (KOÇ-KAM).

Notes on contributors

Pınar Öztürk

Pınar Öztürk received her PhD from the Faculty of Sports Sciences, Hacettepe University, Turkey, in 2017. She is currently working as a research assistant at the Department of Recreation at the same faculty. Her research interests are women’s football, gender test policies and gender in sport, with a particular focus on the issues of empowerment of women’s and girls’ through physical activity and sport.

Canan Koca

Canan Koca is Professor in the Faculty of Sports Sciences, Hacettepe University and she is currently head of Department of Recreation. Koca’s research examines women sport participation, migration and sports, and gender relations in sports. Canan Koca is one of the founders and board members of Turkish Association of Sports and Physical Activity for Women (KASFAD) since 2012.