Able bodies and sport participation: social constructions of physical ability for gendered and sexually identified bodies

Abstract

Although there is much debate about the positive effects of active sporting pursuits for the young, in reality many young people are still excluded or deterred from taking part as much as they would like. There are still particular bodily performances which are considered more suitable for taking part in mainstream sport, and invariably one of the determining factors relates to gendered performances which extol competitive, aggressive masculinity. Sporting activities during childhood and school are often considered either enjoyable or unpleasant depending upon the individual's success, or not, in ‘making the grade’ during sporting activities through their ability to perform appropriate masculinity or ‘exclusive masculinity’. The article draws on recent research into body practices, masculinities and sport. A range of men who actively participated in mainstream and gay tennis clubs were interviewed about their experiences of sporting activity throughout their lives. A factor which emerged from their adult readings of their childhood experiences of sport was the uniform enjoyment of engaging in physical activity. However, the men's ability to participate fully was more reliant upon specific bodily performances which were considered an essential aspect of mainstream sport and physical education. The article aims to highlight the importance of recognising the social factors which shape the way in which individuals are allowed to approach sport and ultimately, enjoy their bodies to the best of their abilities.

Keywords:

• Masculinities
• Body performances
• Abilities

Notes

1. I adopted a form of sporting ‘life history’ similar to the life-history approach employed by Connell (1995).

2. The research was conducted as part of a PhD investigation into masculinities, the body and sport. The research was funded by the Pavis Centre at the Open University between 1999 and 2003 (see Wellard, 2003).